2015

Mr. Yasuo Nozaka: In recent years, the revitalization of regional communities has become an issue in Japan. Here in Yonago, we are also faced with the important issues of maintaining our population, securing employment for residents, and energizing our economy. Yonago has a population of around 150,000 people, and we are pleased that a global company like Minebea can thrive here. We hope that Minebea can take a leading role in the community's economic development and work together with us to tackle the issues facing Yonago City.

Mr. Takashi Yuasa: The city has developed industrial parks and logistics parks to attract companies. These investments have begun to pay off in recent years as many different companies have launched business here. Thanks to recent trends, we're creating a foundation for young people to remain in the community. There are many small- and medium-sized businesses here, so we are pleased that a global company like Minebea can grow in our community as a locally rooted company. From a civic policy perspective, we would like to support you as much as possible.

Mr. Kei Matsumoto: Minebea is also a member of the Yonago Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Currently, the chamber has about 2,500 members. The chamber organizes company visits and other events so that members can get to know each other better. I believe that Minebea could raise its awareness in the community if it also joined one of these events. In addition, if there are opportunities to increase your business with local companies, we would be pleased if Minebea could actively provide information to local companies.

Mr. Haruki Kato: The Yonago Plant is a site for our Brushless Motor Business Unit and DC Motor Business Unit. The plant also designs and develops some of our Group's manufacturing equipment. For these activities, we currently procure a large amount of raw materials, parts and outsourced manufacturing services from local companies. In addition to this, we can consider other opportunities to purchase products and services from companies in Tottori Prefecture.

Mr. Yasuo Nozaka: The five cities of Yonago, Matsue, Izumo, Yasugi, and Sakaiminato have created a mayor's conference, and the cities' chambers of commerce are also collaborating to match companies. Many companies aren't aware of potential partners in neighboring cities, so we're developing new initiatives as opportunities for the companies to broaden their awareness and increase regional alliances.

Mr. Kei Matsumoto: The chambers of commerce of the five cities are collaborating to hold manufacturing fairs, which would be a good opportunity for Minebea to build relations.

Mr. Haruki Kato: There are still many local companies Minebea does not have relations with, so we'd be very pleased to consider appropriate ways for us to become involved with them. The Yonago Plant also has two registered vocational skill certification staff. We collaborate with local organizations by dispatching these staff for external tests and also providing evaluation sites. Additionally, I believe we could support small- and medium-sized companies in the prefecture which want to receive vocational skill certification but have difficulties with the process.