SANYO North America Corporation President Mr. Masami Murata
"Aiming to be a Leading Provider of Environment- and Energy-related Products"
My name is Sam (Masami) Murata, president of SANYO North America Corporation (SNA). I was appointed to this position in October of 2007. As president, it is my mission to ensure that the SANYO North America Group becomes a stronger, more competitive network of companies, which serves and contributes to society.
We must emphasize SANYO's core mission of becoming a "Leading Provider of Environment- and Energy-Related Products", while demonstrate continuous, sustainable growth. I am not only talking about sales and profit growth, but also growing to achieve a higher level of social responsibility as we aim to become an even more aware and generous corporate citizen. SANYO has already established a long-term and solid partnership with American Red Cross in providing valuable funds to aid in various circumstances and occasions. SANYO employees as well as their family and friends have been actively participating in grassroots environmental activities such as beach clean ups, directly benefitting the community in building community pride and strengthen their relationships.
Working together closely with our employees and the community we work and serve in, I believe we can achieve our goal of becoming 'a leading provider of Environment –and Energy –Related products' in the most literal way.
We are all in a challenging time, for SANYO and all companies word wide. However, I also believe this tough time presents us a great opportunity. We plan to expand SANYO's Finished Goods products in North America, as well as expansion into Latin America. I am personally committed to lead this strong group to work as one strong SANYO team, creating the growth and profits necessary for success.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the continuous support of our loyal stakeholders, customers, business partners, and all of the dedicated SANYO employees around the globe.
Becoming a Leading Provider of Environment- and Energy-related Products
Returning to the focus on product creation, and aiming for sustainable growth
During our 60-year history, SANYO Electric has earned the confidence of customers through product creation and providing services. As a result, we have grown into a corporate group comprising about 200 companies both in and outside Japan. The driving force behind this expansion has been the passion of our many employees for product creation, their mutual support, and their continual hard work. Without the support of various stakeholders such as the customers that purchase our products and services, as well as our business partners, shareholders, investors, and local neighbors, SANYO could not have achieved this kind of growth.
Based on our brand vision of "Think GAIA," SANYO is aiming to become a leading provider of Environment- and Energy-related products and a company that delights the Earth and life. What can we do to help the planet and living things? Our goal is to return to the focus on product creation, and to run our operations by listening carefully to the needs and opinions of clients and general consumers that love SANYO products. In the words of our management phi losophy , "We are committed to becoming an indispensable element in the lives of people all over the world." SANYO has no choice but to live up to this belief. It is the basic concept behind our responsibility to society, and it was the starting point for the founding of the company.
Fiscal 2007 marks the final year of the current Medium-term Management Plan. SANYO boasts world-class technology for solar power generation systems and rechargeable batteries. With the rising public awareness of global environmental issues, we are aiming to expand business opportunities by becoming a leading provider of Environment- and Energy-related products. We plan to utilize the technologies that SANYO has developed over its history, including the reusable and rechargeable eneloop battery, the AQUA washer/dryer that realizes a large reduction in water usage, and the energreen refrigeration system that saves energy. By doing this and realizing steady growth along with a return to profitability, we can contribute to society through our products. Moreover, we will establish a Master Plan to clarify the future course of the company, and new path for SANYO will be unveiled to stakeholders in the new Medium-term Management Plan, set to commence in fiscal 2008.
Promoting Products for Energy and Resource Saving
By going beyond restructuring and aiming to become a leading provider of Environment- and Energy-related products, while ardently addressing the issues of global environmental protection, we can ensure the sustainable development of the SANYO Group. Based on the Group Environmental Policy, we are promoting environmental initiatives in all stages of our operations from product development, to manufacturing, to disposal.
SANYO is placing particular importance on energy and resource saving measures (making items smaller and lighter) for all products provided to customers, in order to help fight pollution caused by harmful chemical substances, and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and waste. In this way, the company is working on the development and promotion of products that contribute to the improvement of the natural environment. As a result of these efforts, in fiscal 2006, products considered by SANYO to be exceptionally environmentally conscious passed the 50% mark in term of sales.
It is also important to reduce environmental impact in the production process. Through reduced use of energy and harmful chemical substances, SANYO has set specific long-term targets in order to help fight global warming and other worldwide environmental problems. Improvement activities are then carried out on a continual basis. Based on these kinds of efforts, SANYO is taking a global leadership role in the environmental field as a leading provider of Environment- and Energy-related products, and we intend to further increase our corporate value.
Transforming into a Company with Greater Trust and Expectations
Our industry, the electronics sector, continues to face difficult management conditions, including soaring prices for raw materials, and the intensification of global competition. In fiscal 2006, the second year of our Medium-term Management Plan, we posted our third loss in three consecutive years of non-profitability. In addition, due to quality problems with our washer/dryers and mobile phone batteries, we have caused a lot of concern to the many customers, business partners, and other stakeholders that have supported us over the years.
The greatest responsibility we have as a manufacturer is to ensure the quality and safety of the products we deliver to customers. This is a belief that has remained unchanged since the founding of SANYO, and is the most important objective for a producer. By placing priority on the restoration of customer confidence, and accepting customer criticism as a good opportunity for improvement, we are further strengthening our quality assurance system, and transforming ourselves into a company that meets the expectations and earns the trust of customers.
The activities of a company are carried out by people. Therefore, the growth of the company is achieved by having every employee pull in the same direction. They need to display their abilities to the fullest, and steadfastly carry out their roles. In order to improve the workplace and create an environment that is supportive, motivating, and that provides job satisfaction, SANYO is actively pursuing policies to develop the abilities of its employees, to encourage the balance of work and family life, and to provide better support for women.
SANYO is carrying out its own comprehensive revision of the financial statements from fiscal 2001 through 2006, in order to ensure that they properly adhere to accounting standards. After being evaluated by the accounting auditors, the revised financial statements will be passed on to the Board of Directors, and then promptly disclosed to the public. A committee of outside legal experts, the "Investigation Committee for Previous Financial Results," has been set up to review past financial reporting, and will issue an inspection report after the revision of the financial statements.
Fiscal 2007 is an important year for putting SANYO back on the track of sustainable growth. In addition to showing the future goals of the SANYO Electric Group, and its CSR initiatives, this report seeks to show how we are moving forward. I hope you enjoy reading this publication, and welcome your honest feedback.
I look forward to the continued support of all our stakeholders.
Seiichiro Sano
Executive Director & President