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Jun.2008 Quality and Environmental Initiatives from the Introduction of Robotization

Since April of 2007, Sanoh has been advancing the introduction of robotized processes into our production facilities with the goal of improving product quality and strengthening environmental efforts.
As a result of this robotization, we have achieved increases in quality and productivity, process improvements, the generalization of equipment, and space conservation.
In addition, by converting from traditional air pressure- and hydraulic-based power to motorized systems, it is possible to reduce energy consumption in production processes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
We are also investigating further applications such as the improvement of manufacturing accuracy through a fusion with image processing technology, etc.
Sanoh will continue to actively introduce robotized processes into not only our plants within Japan, but also into our production bases overseas with the aim of standardizing production quality and stable supply around the world.

May.2008 Environmental Initiatives (Promotion of Environmental Conservation Activities)

Sanoh has been advancing efforts to contribute to the conservation of the global environment, recognizing Environmental Conservation as a significant business challenge.

In addition to the development of an environment management system*, Sanoh achieved zero emissions in 2007 as a result of the elimination of the use of four environmental impact materials (lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium) and the separation and recycling of waste materials. As a challenge for reducing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is said to be the primary factor contributing to global warming, we are actively working on the research and development of new technologies such as the introduction of energy-saving equipment including high-efficiency electronic robotics for our internal production equipment, the innovation of our production processes and the effective utilization of waste heat.

In addition, each and every Sanoh employee has committed to continuous local energy-saving activities such as regulating the power usage of lights and computer equipment and promoting environmentally-conscious conservation activities at all times.

Sanoh will continue to examine our influence on the environment and develop environmentally-friendly business activities to help further conserve and protect the world around us.

* Five of Sanoh's principle business locations have obtained ISO 14001 certification since March 2002.

Mar.2008 Redesign of Employment Information Content

Sanoh has recently redesigned the employment information area of our website.

The new employment information pages were designed in order to enhance the content, such as features of the company, messages from senior associates who are active in each division, etc., based on the concept of "From Japan to the World", a key phrase for our recruiting activities.

We will continue to improve our website content with the aim of providing employment information to promote a better understanding of our company.

* Sanoh holds company information sessions for job-hunting students for recruitment in 2009. The sessions feature various programs including open discussions with senior associates who are active in each division, plant tours of production and product development sites, etc.

Sanoh also actively recruits students from overseas throughout the year in order to increase diversity within our personnel.

For Sanoh employment information (in Japanese), please visit the following

>> http://www.sanoh.com/flash/japanese/recruit/index.htm

Feb.2008 Sanoh Products Adopted in New Model Honda Fit

A number of Sanoh products have been adopted in Honda’s new model Fit, which was named the 2007-2008 Japan Car of the Year and the 2007-2008 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car of the Year.

The primary Sanoh products being utilized in the Fit (also known as the Jazz in some regions) are tubular products such as cluster tubes for brake and fuel lines and engine parts such as fuel injection rails (FIRs).

Cluster tubes are a combined assembly of brake tubes with high corrosion resistance and composite tubes for fuel delivery using plastic tubing developed by Sanoh with a high level of fuel barrier performance, which can also contribute to the containment of global warming.

Meanwhile, Sanoh FIRs have the function of reducing the amount of noise generated by the injector within the product itself, a unique feature of our design. As a result, parts previously needed for noise reduction can be eliminated, thus achieving a reduction in the number of overall components and realizing vehicle weight savings.

Sanoh will continue to offer functional products in accordance with customer needs such as improvements in environment performance and weight savings.
("FIT" Photograph used with permission of the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Jan.2008 Sanoh Brake/Fuel Tubes Adopted in Suzuki "Splash" Compact Car

Sanoh's brake and fuel tubes have been adopted in the upcoming Suzuki "Splash," a compact car model scheduled to be marketed in Europe in Spring 2008 as the next phase in the automaker's global strategy. The brake and fuel products are being manufactured at Sanoh Magyar Kft., Sanoh's new manufacturing facility located adjacent the Magyar Suzuki Corporation in Hungary.

Sanoh Magyar Kft. is a 100% subsidiary of Sanoh that was established in Hungary in November 2006 for the purpose of expanding the European operations of the Sanoh Group. Operations commenced in August 2007.

>> Click here for information about Sanoh Magyar Kft.
("Splash" Photograph used with permission of the Suzuki Corporation. All rights reserved.)

Dec.2007 Aid for Flood Disaster in Tabasco, Mexico

On November 7, 2007 SANMEX, one of Sanoh's overseas subsidiaries located in Aguascalientes, Mexico, sent food provisions and other necessities in cooperation with 10 Japanese manufacturers to the disaster-stricken district in the state of Tabasco, which has been suffering from severe flood damage as a result of heavy rains since the end of October.
Approximately 80 employees from SANMEX took part in assistance activities, such as packing supplies and making arrangements for shipping.

Nov.2007 Dual-Partition Intake Manifold Awarded Invention Encouragement Prize

On Monday, October 22, 2007 the 2007 Central Japan Invention Awards Ceremony* was held at the Westin Nagoya Castle Hotel in Nagoya, Japan. At the event, the Dual-Partition Intake Manifold (Registration Number: 3395060), a patent owned jointly by Sanoh and Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd. was awarded an Invention Encouragement Prize.

The Dual-Partition Intake Manifold can be formed with aluminium casting since a surge tank is partitioned into two parts. The product also creates a positive environmental impact through the improvement of fuel efficiency by reducing vehicle weight with the use of aluminium pipe.

* Formal name: "2007 Central Japan Invention Awards Ceremony in Commemoration of the 100-Year Anniversary of the Founding of the Aichi Branch of the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation."
Regional Inventors awards ceremonies have been held since 1921 for the purpose of fostering and cultivating inventions in each region by commending researchers, engineers, etc., whose achievements have contributed to the advancement of technology and promotion of local industry.

>> Click here for information about Aluminum Intake Manifolds

Oct.2007 AEDs Placed in All Domestic Sanoh Business and Sales Offices

As part of a series of comprehensive health and safety environmental measures, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)* have recently been placed in all Sanoh business offices and sales offices throughout Japan - a total of 10 facilities.

In addition, Emergency Medical Training Sessions were conducted in each business office, during which members of local fire departments provided cardio-pulmonary resuscitation instruction including AED operation to a total of 71 Sanoh employees. In the training sessions, practical exercises were carried out using CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) training mannequins.

Sanoh will continue to implement important and worthwhile measures to further improve working conditions for all employees.

＊An AED is a portable electric device that automatically diagnoses whether defibrillation (an electric shock to the heart) is required, and restores cardiac movement to normal functioning in the event of cardiac arrest. In the case of sudden cardiac death, 70 percent of patients will survive if defibrillation is administered within 3 minutes of cardiac arrest.
It is said that for every minute of delay, the chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent; for this reason, immediate defibrillation treatment is the key to resuscitation.

Sep.2007 Plastic Tubing Production Totals One-and-a-Half Laps Around the Earth

Total production of plastic tubing at Sanoh has reached over 60,000 km. This length is equivalent to one-and-a-half times the circumference of the earth. (In-house production of plastic tubing began in 1996.)

Recently, demand for plastic products, which contribute to reducing vehicle weight, has been growing amid environmental efforts by all car manufacturers. Sanoh has also developed highly impact-resistant products in response to strict environmental regulations, and sales of plastic products have grown fourfold in the past five years.

Sanoh will continue to offer products with further improved function, including weight reduction, in order to contribute to the preservation of the global environment.

>> Click here for information about Sanoh's Plastic Product

Aug.2007 Sixth Annual Japanese Speech Contest for Overseas Trainees

On August 2, 2007 a Japanese Speech Contest for Overseas Trainees was held at the Sanoh Koga Plant. The contest has been held annually since 2004 and has turned into a large event; this year, 14 trainees from China, Thailand and Indonesia took part before an audience of over 100 spectators.

The trainees who participated in the contest spoke passionately about themselves, their experiences in Japan, their current lifestyles, future prospects, and so on. The speeches were written under the guidance of the instructor of the Japanese language class that the trainees attend at Sanoh twice weekly. The participants’ performances were judged based on both the speeches themselves as well as a question-and-answer session conducted in Japanese.

This year, Baginda Soritua Siregar, a trainee from Indonesia who has been in Japan for six months, received the award for Outstanding Performance based on the positive assessment of the correctness of his pronunciation and his adeptness and giving proper responses to the judge's questions. Another trainee from Indonesia, Munir Misbahul, gave a speech that greatly impressed the audience; in it, he explained that he was working hard with high enthusiasm and motivation in hopes of someday becoming a manager. In a get-together held after the contest, friendship between the participants and their fellow employees was further deepened as the trainees demonstrated Chinese songs and Indonesian dances, and many people gathered around the trainees to ask them questions.

Sanoh Industrial will continue to actively receive trainees from overseas and aim to find similarities and understand differences in language and culture in order to further advance the spirit of globalization.

Jul.2007 Sanoh Provides Educational Support Activities for Students from Overseas

On June 20, 2007, forty foreign students visiting Japan as part of the Young Student Exchange Program (YSEP)http://www.ryu.titech.ac.jp/~ysep/ sponsored by the Tokyo Institute of Technology were invited to the Sanoh Koga Plant in order to attend a Study Session on Manufacturing. The study session was planned based on the students’ desire to “learn the role of a part manufacturer in the development and production of cars,” and centered on tours of the production and product development areas of the facility. In addition to the plant tour, time was made for a presentation of an overview of the company and a question-and-answer session.

In order to accommodate the students representing over 20 different countries, Sanoh employees from the United States, the Ivory Coast and China participated in the event, and all information was presented in English. The students actively posed questions about our processing equipment during the plant tour, and during the question-and-answer period, they asked questions on a wide range of topics, from Sanoh’s quality policy to our future business development and educational training.

Sanoh will continue to strengthen our efforts through industry-university cooperation in the future in order to contribute to educational support activities for overseas students from all universities.

>> To inquire about a plant tour, please click here.

Jul.2007 Construction Begins on New Plant in Mexico to Produce High-Accuracy Brazed Products

SANMEX, an overseas subsidiary of Sanoh located in Aguascalientes in Mexico, has been carrying out the construction of a new plant with an investment of six hundred million yen for the purpose of expanding production in North and South America and strengthening its management infrastructure.

The new plant will manufacture high-performance products such as fuel supply rails for fuel injection rails that are more competitive and have higher accuracy than in the past. In addition, service will be enhanced in order to provide greater customer satisfaction by introducing a new logistics system that will integrate the old and new plants to improve logistics efficiency.

Products produced by the new plant will be supplied primarily to each automotive manufacturer in North America as well as exported to Brazil, with sales expected to reach 5.5 billion yen in 2010, approximately double the results of 2006.

In the future, SANMEX will take on an important role within the Sanoh Group as the supply base for brazed products1 not only to Mexico, but throughout North, Central and South America.

[Overview of the New Plant in Mexico]
-Area: Land = 11,664square meter Facilities = 7,519square meter
-Operations to begin in January 2008
-Investment Amount: Six hundred million yen

1. Brazing, also called hard soldering, is the process of firmly joining together multiple metal parts (base materials) by welding them together using a different metal with a lower melting point than the base materials.


>> Click here to visit the SANMEX page

Jun.2007 Sanoh do Brasil Awarded Toyota Mercosur Achievement Performance Certificate

On May 11, 2007 the Fifth Mercosur Supplier Conference hosted jointly by Toyota do Brasil Ltda (TBD) and Toyota Argentina S.A. (TASA) was held in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The event was attended by around 150 companies(over 300 representatives) from both South American countries.

The conference featured an awards ceremony for suppliers that demonstrated excellence in the categories of Quality, Cost and Delivery in fiscal year 2006. Sanoh do Brasil was awarded Achievement Performance Certificates in two categories: Cost and Delivery.

With these recent accolades and the Quality Excellence Performance Award received in fiscal year 2005, Sanoh do Brasil has the distinction of having been the winner of all three categories as a supplier.

May.2007 Sanoh Plastic Clutch Reservoir Tube Adopted in Mazda Compact Car

Sanoh's plastic clutch reservoir tubes have recently been evaluated for their high quality and adopted in Mazda Motor Corporation's Axela (Mazda3) sport compact car.

The clutch reservoir tube is a product used to supply clutch oil between the reservoir tank and the clutch master cylinder.

The specifications of the Sanoh product include high-performance quick connectors assembled on both ends of the plastic tubing (see photograph). It has a smaller design compared to the existing version and contributes to the flexibility of the layout as well as the overall quality.

Our clutch reservoir tubes are slated to be adopted gradually in other Mazda manual transmission vehicles in the future.

Apr.2007 The Globalization of Sanoh

Sanoh first began overseas operations 40 years ago and has since expanded our global presence to 45 production facilities in 19 countries worldwide, includingJapan.

During this time, we have actively promoted our global expansion and, in 1993, we began recruiting students from overseas, which has contributed significantly to the globalization of our workforce. Employees from the United States, China and Malaysia are currently active in several divisions, and newly-recruited employees from the Ivory Coast and China will join us this year, even further enhancing the globalization of our company.

In a recent company-wide conference held on March 9, 2007 with the participation of the top management from our overseas subsidiary companies, communication in languages other than English became multinational to the extent that managers from overseas were speaking Japanese and Japanese employees were speaking in other foreign languages, enabling effective and highly successful exchanges of information and ideas.

Sanoh Industrial is dedicated to continuing the promotion of recruitment activities in a proactive manner without regard for nationality, gender, etc. We also aim to further strengthen our global operations system by enhancing the training of the top management and staff at our overseas subsidiaries.

Mar.2007 A Park with 200 Growing Trees

In June 1987, Sanoh began the development of a tree park on the site of the old company residence adjacent to the Koga Plant. This was performed as one of the events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of our company.

Twenty years later, the 200 trees that were planted in the spirit of coexistence with the community have grown robustly, as can be seen in the photographs.

A wide variety of trees can be found in the park, including: White Oak, Cedar, Black Pine, Acorn Tree, Plum Tree, Azalea, Cherry Tree, Mountain Maple, Dogwood, Kobus Magnolia, Zelkova, Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Orange Osmanthus, Wisteria, Peach Tree, Satsuki Azalea, Forsythia, Cape Jasmine and Thunberg Spirea.

The park is open to all residents in the community and has become a popular recreation area and playground for local children.

It is our hope that we will continue to grow as a company that gives special consideration for humanity and the environment.

Feb.2007 Interaction with Associates from Oversees

With 45 production facilities in 19 countries worldwide (including Japan), Sanoh actively promotes global business development. In order to promote and enhance our global operations, we regularly invite several employees from each of our overseas subsidiary companies to the Sanoh "mother factory" located in the city of Koga, Ibaraki Prefecture in order to participate in technical and leadership training as Sanoh associates.

At present, a total of 30 trainees from five countries--India, Brazil, China, Thailand and the Philippines--are in Japan and participating in learning activities. As the training program runs for six months and trainees spend this long period of time in Japan, they are able to interact closely with their Sanoh colleagues, not only on professional basis at work, but also on a more intimate level on days off.

- Training Activities -
The trainees visiting from Sanoh do Brasil in Sao Paulo, Brazil eagerly volunteered for the program and came to Japan after passing the selective examination. They are highly motivated to learn from Sanoh Japan with the purpose of acquiring production technology; however, they have not only been participating in the training activities on the production floor, but also working on the design and production of jigs using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Sanoh employees with overseas business trip experience and an understanding of operations in Brazil have been assigned to oversee the instruction of the trainees, and the communication between both groups has been exceptionally positive.

- Life at the Global Training Center -
All rooms at the Sanoh Global Training Center are wired for Internet access. Trainees are able to communicate with their families and friends back home daily using VoIP phone systems and the like to maintain close contact.

- Enjoying Time Off -
On days off during the six-month training period, trainees are taken on tours of Tokyo and other popular destinations. Recently, trainees and Sanoh employees took a day trip to Tokyo Disneyland and a bus tour of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Over the longer holiday breaks in May and August, events such as barbecue parties are held and all employees join in the festivities.

During a recent holiday, one trainee from Thailand who can speak basic daily conversational Japanese traveled to Kyoto alone. Another trainee from the Philippines was invited to a dinner party at the home of a Sanoh employee he met in the Training Division; he also went skiing with the employee's family and was moved and delighted to see snow for the first time in his life.

The Sanoh training program has proven extremely successful. After returning to their home countries, trainees demonstrate considerable growth and steadily begin taking on active roles as managers and leaders at their respective overseas subsidiary companies.

Jan.2007 "Made in Sanoh": A Corporate Culture of Handmade

Here at Sanoh, we have a "Made in Sanoh" tradition of building all necessary items with our own hands, which epitomizes our employees' spirit of challenge and inquisitive nature. This provides the enjoyment of teamwork and also enables the accumulation of know-how within the company through originality and ingenuity.

Examples of achievements resulting from our "Made in Sanoh" philosophy include:
- All processing equipment for the manufacture of Sanoh's in-house products (design, development and production)
- Internal computer system
- Online interactive communication system
- System and materials for E-Learning
- Corporate website
- Company brochure (design and printing)

Sanoh's spirit for the handmade can be seen in everything from our on-site English Garden, where employees keep beautiful flowers blooming from season to season, to our yearly construction of traditional New Year's kadomatsu pine decorations, and so on.

In what has become an established custom, this year we will once again decorate our own kadomatsu for the start of the coming new year.

Dec.2006 Start of New Graduate Recruiting Activities for 2008

Sanoh Industrial is sending a message of "From Japan to the World" to job-seeking students. We have begun our recruiting activities for 2008 and are seeking associates with a willingness to work together with us toward new world markets.

On November 24, 2006 we invited representatives from the career centers of various science and technology universities to visit our Koga Plant and take part in an Industry/Enterprise Workshop.

We explained the current situation and future trends of the automotive industry as well as our corporate positioning within it, and afterwards lead a plant tour of the production site and of the home base of our advanced technological development.

Sanoh has begun actively participating in job fairs for students in various fields, beginning with the Nikkei Career FORUM 08, which was held on November 29.

(Sanoh also actively recruits students from overseas throughout the year due to the necessary for diversity amongst our personnel.)

For further information about our corporate recruiting activities (in Japanese), please visit the following URL: http://www.sanoh.com/flash/japanese/recruit/

Nov.2006 Inauguration of Sanoh America, Inc.

Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the inauguration of Sanoh America, Inc. on November 1, 2006. Formerly known as HiSAN, Inc., the company was consolidated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sanoh in the United States after the purchase of 100% of its shares in July 2005. Sanoh America had net sales of over 22 billion yen in FY2005, and it is positioned as the core of the Sanoh Group's operations in North and South America.

A ceremony to celebrate the inauguration of the company was held in Findlay, Ohio on October 29, 2006. At the event, the president of Sanoh America delivered a speech in which he made a determined proclamation for a new departure, referring to the start of a new era and a new policy.

Sanoh will hereafter introduce high-performance, labor-saving manufacturing equipment and strengthen marketing and product development capabilities in order to enhance the coordinated functionality of the organization as a strategic base for business expansion in North and South America.

Oct.2006 Trainee from Thailand Subsidiary Passes National Trade Skills Test

Since its establishment in May 2004, the Sanoh Global Training Center has been providing leadership development training to visiting employees from subsidiary companies overseas.

Recently, a trainee visiting Japan from our Able Sanoh Industries (1996) Co., Ltd. (ASICO) subsidiary in Thailand, Puttapong Satanakupanit, achieved his personal goal of passing the Basic Grade 2 level of the National Trade Skills Test. The Basic Grade 2 test was established to evaluate the practice and results of training programs and on-the-job training systems for trainees from overseas, and is implemented to evaluate the outcome of the training program before a trainee can move up to on-the-job training.

After passing the National Trade Skills Test, Mr. Satanakupanit's status will be upgraded from a Trainee to a Technical Intern, and over the next two years he will be eligible to sign an employment contract with Sanoh to work as a company employee. In addition, he will continue technological acquisition through advanced programs and will be expected to play a vital role as a technology and quality manager upon his return to ASICO in Thailand.

Sanoh will continue to utilize on-the-job training systems and other means in order to enhance the training of personnel for the Sanoh Group as a whole.

Sep.2006 Start of Operations at New Production Base in Vietnam

On July 27, 2006 Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd. launched production at a new overseas production base in Vinh Phuc Province in Vietnam, located on the outskirts of Hanoi.

The new production base has adopted a processing production system within the plant of the local Honda subsidiary, Honda Vietnam Company Limited (HVN). Operations have begun with the processing and assembly of chassis tubular products (with a monthly production of 400 units) supplied for the new model Civic, the first four-wheel vehicle manufactured by Honda in Vietnam.

On August 10, 2006 a line-off ceremony was held at HVN, during which Sanoh Vice President, Yoshinori Hayasaka, performed the tape-cutting and tree-planting ceremonies. Sanoh received high appraisal from the President of HVN, Mr. Hiroaki Funami, in his speech at the event.

Vietnam's automotive market stood at 40,000 vehicles in 2005, however it is expected to increase to 90,000 vehicles by 2010. Sanoh will continue to aim for further quality improvement towards the expansion of sales for new models in the future.

Aug.2006 Cultural Exchange at Overseas Subsidiaries

On July 15, 2006 HiSAN, Inc., a Sanoh overseas subsidiary company located in Findlay, Ohio in the United States, hosted a booth introducing Japanese culture in collaboration with 11 neighboring Japanese companies at the Findlay Art Festival, a cultural event held by the city of Findlay.

At the festival, Japanese employees of HiSAN exhibited Japanese calligraphy known as shuji. Using ink brushes, the employees wrote visitors' names in English and Japanese katakana lettering on pictures of popular Japanese cartoon characters and traditional woodblock prints called ukiyo-e. The activity proved to be very well-received by the local residents of Findlay.

Sanoh will continue to utilize these kinds of activities in order to deepen the mutual understanding of cultures and customs with the aim of further fostering relationships of trust with local communities around the world.

Jul.2006 Machi-Zukuri Network Activities

In April 2004, Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd. established the Machi-Zukuri Network, an incorporated non-profit organization (NPO), for the purpose of contributing to the community in accordance with the Law to Promote Specified Non-Profit Activities, which came into effect in December 1998.

The Machi-Zukuri Network operates in the three areas of Community Development, Environmental Protection and Social Education.

One recent example of such activities is the Lavender Festival that was held in the city of Koga on June 18, 2006. Through cooperation with local horticulturists, flowers were presented to townspeople and elderly residents of a local senior care home at the expense of the NPO, deepening relations with the community.

These activities and activity methods have drawn considerable attention, and in November of last year a representative from the NPO was invited to address the Policy Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (PRIMAFF), a national research organization.

For further information about the Machi-Zukuri Network, please visit the following URL : http://www.sanoh.com/flash/english/about_sanoh/as_09.htm

Jun.2006 Sanoh Plastic FIR Adopted in Honda Export Motorcycle

A plastic Fuel Injection Rail (FIR) developed by Sanoh has been newly adopted in Honda Motor Co. Ltd.'s latest model export motorcycle, the CBF1000.

The plastic FIR is lightweight, has high corrosion resistance, a low cost and sufficient strength and heat resistance compared to conventional metal fuel injection rails, thus enabling it to improve vehicle performance.

With high accuracy due to Sanoh's forming technology and its two-piece shape, the versatility of our product has been evaluated and is slated to be gradually adopted in additional motorcycle models released by Honda in the future.

May.2006 Dual Campaigns for Smiles and Litter Clean-Up at P.T. Sanoh Indonesia

At P.T. Sanoh Indonesia, Sanoh's overseas subsidiary located in Bekasi, Indonesia, employees are carrying out internal Smile and Litter Clean-Up campaigns.

The Smile Campaign is an effort for employees to keep greetings and smiles in mind while inside the plant and offices. Greetings are a very important and fundamental tool through which teamwork is built.

The Litter Clean-Up campaign encourages all employees to pick up trash around the plant every Friday morning, and was started at the voluntary suggestion of a local manager.

At twice-weekly meetings, all managers visit the plant to see with their own eyes and discuss what is taking place.

Through these activities, P.T. Sanoh Indonesia aims to unify the awareness of problems and enable the self-discovery of problems for improvement and resolution.

>> Click here for more information about P.T.Sanoh Indonesia

Apr.2006 The 8th Annual Sanoh Global Operations Conference

The 8th Annual Sanoh Global Operations Conference was held on March 24, 2006, and was attended by a total of 51 representatives from 18 of Sanoh's overseas subsidiary companies as well as domestic operating officers and departmental managers.

The conference is held annually with the aim of further maximizing management vitality and strengthening the solidarity between the Sanoh Group and its overseas subsidiaries.With 24 members from overseas subsidiary companies - the highest to date - attending the conference this year, active discussions were held concerning matters such as each subsidiary's operational challenges and business strategies for 2006.

At a ceremony held following the conferences, awards for Best Communication and Best Management were presented to select Sanoh subsidiary companies that demonstrated particularly remarkable achievements within the past year.

-Best Communication Award : HiSAN Inc.
-Best Management Award : Sanoh Industrial de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (SANMEX)

Mar.2006 A New Training Initiative at Sanoh Thailand

At Sanoh Thailand, one of the Sanoh Group's bases for the production of Brazed Steel Tubing(*1), new employees entering the company undergo a four-day training program utilizing easy-to-understand visual aids and carried out in a training room located within the plant.

In addition to important information such as working regulations and safety and quality precautions, the program focuses on Sanoh's unique concepts on which all operations are based, such as the 5S(*2) (Seiri, Seiton, Seisou, Seiketsu, and Shukan) and the 4K(*3) (Kimeta-koto, Kimerareta-koto, Kichinto-mamori, Kaizen-o-okonau).

Furthermore, as it is essential that all employees understand ISO14000 and ISO/TS16949 requirements, such information is translated into the Thai language and used to thoroughly train all participants.

After the training program has been completed, a test is conducted to confirm all employees' comprehension of the subject matter.

These efforts are being carried out as a measure against previously poor employee retention rates as well as to promote quality stabilization and the observance of proper delivery timing.

(*1) In addition to Thailand, overseas Brazed Steel Tubing production is also performed in China and India.
(*2) English translation of 5S: Sorting, Organization, Cleaning, Cleanliness and Habit
(*3) English translation of 4K: Implement Improvements that Comply with the Rules and Regulations


>> Click here for more information about Sanoh Industries Thailand

Feb.2006 Information-Sharing through Afternoon Meetings with Hourly Employees

Every month at Sanoh, executive directors and production division managers hold post-lunch break afternoon meetings targeted to hourly employees. (*1)

The meetings are held at the Koga Plant and are additionally transmitted in real time via telephone to three other domestic facilities as well as to resident employees stationed at four overseas affiliates.

Presentation software with graphics and figures is utilized to distribute information about quality, challenges in production processes, sales forecasts, improvement examples, 5S activities (*2), introductions of overseas facilities, etc., in an easy-to-understand way.

The meetings allow hourly employees to share collective views regarding the importance of product quality and corporate goals, and they also lead to an increase in motivation and employee retention.

(*1) Sanoh presently employs approximately 700 hourly employees.
(*2) At Sanoh, the 5S are defined as Sorting (Seiri), Organization (Seiton), Cleaning (Seisou), Cleanliness (Seiketsu) and Habit (Shukan)

Jan.2006 Trainees from Overseas Subsidiaries Participate in Third Japanese Speech Contest

Sanoh has been holding Japanese speech contests for visiting trainees dispatched from overseas production bases since 2004 in order to improve their Japanese language learning level as well as to provide a motivational boost.

On December 22nd of last year, the third speech contest was held. Six trainees gave speeches, and the event was attended by a total of 18 spectators, with a professional Japanese language instructor and younger employees from each of the trainee’s divisions invited as judges.
　
Each trainee's speech consisted of a self-introduction and themes such as their training in Japan. The judges took into consideration such factors as Japanese pronunciation, speech composition, etc., and awards for Outstanding Performance were given to Mr. Fernando and Mr. Everton from Brazil and Mr. Mahendora from India.

The trainees from Brazil who ranked in at the top came to Japan after studying the Japanese language independently and mastering basic daily conversation skills in their home country once it was decided that they would be dispatched to Japan for training. Combined with the training they have received in their Japanese language course, their communication level in Japan has improved dramatically, enabling smooth communication with Japanese staff members at their training assignments.

Upon the trainees' return to their native countries, we can expect an exponential improvement in communication with their fellow employees from Japan as well as further success at their local subsidiaries.

Speech contests are an ideal opportunity to confirm the overseas trainees' active motivation to learn, and we will continue to hold such events with the involvement of Japanese staff members.

Jan.2006 "Building All Necessary Items": The Making of Kadomatsu to Celebrate the New Year

As a manufacturing company, we at Sanoh value the concept of "Building All Necessary Items."

The annual year-end custom of making kadomatsu, traditional New Year's pine tree decorations, was once again carried out this year amidst cold weather brought by strong northern winds.

Although this annual event has traditionally been overseen by the Koga Plant General Affairs Group, this year interested trainees from oversees and younger employees participated voluntarily and worked together to insert pine branches into the kadomatsu.

This joint activity of making the kadomatsu was a unique opportunity for cross-cultural communication between the participating employees and overseas trainees. In spite of the cold weather, the event was a heartwarming activity and was an achievement of another new success for our "Made in Sanoh" challenge.

The kadomatsu will be on display at the Head Office, the Koga Office and at the front gate of the Koga Business Office through January 6, 2006.

Through manufacturing, Sanoh will continue to further strive to create new added value.

Dec.2005 Trainees from Overseas Subsidiaries Globally Expanding Sanoh's Technology

With the "Localization of Personnel and Products" as a key concept, Sanoh has been regularly providing training to employees from our 23 subsidiary companies worldwide for the purpose of the acquisition of technology at our main Koga Plant.

In order to provide high-quality services to all of our customers around the world, it is important that we develop excellent human resources to enable the implementation of our unique fundamentals of manufacturing, new technology and management at each subsidiary company.

Training is carried out over a period of six months at the Global Training Center, which was established in May of 2004 at our Koga Plant. Throughout the course of the program, trainees learn management techniques such as accounting, production control, quality control, etc., including the acquisition of technology which is one of the fundamentals of manufacturing, as well as the Japanese language.

Since the establishment of the Training Center, 31 employees from overseas have completed the program and have returned to their home countries to play vital roles as managers and leaders at Sanoh's local subsidiaries.

As a global company, we will continue to develop excellent personnel who will forge the future of our overseas subsidiaries and actively expand our technology in order to provide the highest quality of service with identical products of equal quality to our customers on a global scale.

Nov.2005 Construction Launched on Production Control Center

On October 18, a ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Sanoh Koga Plant for the Production Control Center and construction of the new Center was formally launched. The site area is approximately 2,655 square meters with a total floor area of 2,704 square meters, and construction is scheduled for completion by the end of March 2006.

The Production Control Center will manage the logistics of operations from production through shipping. The centralization of production and shipping information will enable total logistical control for the Sanoh Group.

Furthermore, the final processing for the Plastic Products Division, for which further increases in sales are anticipated, will be transferred to the second floor of the Center in order to interlock the production site with the shipping site. In the future, the Production Control Center will comprehensively manage all functions of operations through sales, procurement, production and shipping, further enhancing Sanoh's ability to provide superior service to our customer base.

Oct.2005 New Sanoh Products to be Adopted in New Honda Civic Engine

Three new Sanoh products will be adopted in the engine of the new Civic model announced by the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. on September 22, 2005.

The first product is the EGR Pipe, which is manufactured by Sanoh using stainless steel piping. This product is designed to return exhaust emissions back into the induction system and improve automotive engine performance. It is able to withstand high temperature exhaust emissions and furthermore features superior high corrosion-resistance. Sanoh's EGR Pipes will now be adopted in all 1.8-liter Civic engines worldwide.

The remaining two products are the Filler Neck Tube and the Bent Tube, both newly developed by Sanoh and utilizing plastic materials.
The former connects the filler neck and the fuel tank, and the latter is a tubular part that transports vaporized gasoline in the fuel tank to the canister. Due to the fact that newly developed materials were used in each case, our new products have cleared the PZEV regulations - the strictest exhaust emissions regulations in North America, which existing plastic materials have not been able to meet - and will be adopted in all Civic Hybrid vehicles in North America.

Sales of these products are expected to increase in the future, centering on the North American market.


Sep.2005 "English Learning and Cross-Cultural Communication" Lecture Held Lecture Held

Through the Sanoh Human Resources Development Group, a part of the Global General Affairs Division, our goal is to further enhance a total plan for the expansion of personnel training. A variety of workshops and on-the-job training projects are being held and the subsequent achievements are being reflected in the evaluations of all employees and their primary duties.

As part of the total plan, we arrange for independent speakers to visit Sanoh to give lectures for the purpose of the active introduction of education, and on August 24, 2005 a lecture with the theme of "English Learning and Cross-Cultural Communication" was held in the Tokyo Head Office.

The lecturer, Ms. Yoko Alpert, is a linguistics expert who has taught Japanese language courses at Cornell University, Wharton School of Business and other academic institutions in the United States.

In the lecture, Ms. Alpert offered many pointers on topics such as how to communicate with Americans, based on key concepts such as "Silence is Taboo," resulting in a very significant presentation.

In the course of our advancement in globalization, the improvement of our employees' communication skills in English is an essential task, and therefore we will continue to enhance the content of our English language training.

Aug.2005 Development of Entirely Chrome-Free Surface Treatment for Chassis Tubing

Sanoh Industrial has recently completed development and begun the mass production of tubular chassis products with an entirely chrome-free surface treatment (PA and PVdF coating) in anticipation of the future prohibition of chromium compounds.

This development marks a clear distinction from other companies’ surface treatments containing trivalent chromium.

Our research and development efforts strove early on to meet the European Union’s End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive, which bans the use of hexavalent chromium in anticorrosive plating and coating in response to environmental regulations and comes into effect in July of 2007 for all new vehicles put on the market.

Sanoh will continue to make advancements towards enhanced energy efficiency, high precision and high quality in order to respond swiftly to widespread social issues such as global safety and environmental regulations in the automotive industry.


Jul.2005 Beautification Campaign Underway at Koga Plant

Since April 2004, all employees at our Koga Plant have been maintaining flower beds within the plant premises as part of a "Beautification of the Koga Plant" campaign. Seasonal flowers of various types are planted in several areas, and the planters are watered and weeded by employees on a rotational basis.

Last year, a goal was set to keep beautiful flowers in bloom from season to season, and an award was given to the division that had the most excellent communication, which raised awareness among the employees.

Recently, a variety of flowers such as Marguerites and Cosmos have been in full bloom. We are planning to continue promoting the "Beautification of the Koga Plant" campaign through all employees chipping in their knowledge and making sincere efforts.

Jun.2005 Tubing Production Totals Distance to the Moon and Back, Seven Times!

As of the end of March 2005, total tubing production at Sanoh has reached over 5,202,000km since production began in 1963. This distance is equivalent to a trip to the moon and back seven times (380,000km per round trip) or 130 laps around the equator (40,000km per lap).

Our steel and plastic tubing are used primarily in automotive fluid handling parts that are critical for safety and transport brake oil, fuel, etc., much like the role of blood vessels in the human body.

Through our original technology and development capability, Sanoh continuously strives to ensure safety and provide comfort while aspiring for an advanced motorized society.

>> go to Sanoh's Tubing Products

May.2005 107 Employees Participate in Operation to Clean Watarase Drainage Basin

On April 23, an operation to clean the Watarase Drainage Basin organized by the Watarase Drainage Basin Nature Conservation and Utilization Network was carried out between six local municipalities (Koga City, Oyama City, Fujioka Town, Itakura Town, Kitakawabe Town and Nogi Town). A total of 107 employees from Sanoh, which is an ISO 14001 certified company, volunteered to participate in the activity and worked together to protect the natural environment of the basin.

The Watarase Drainage Basin is home to a diversity of animal and plant life, including 667 varieties of plants, and is also a popular location for recreational activities. However, the disposal by imprudent individuals of not only general refuse, but also recent illegal dumping, is noticeably conspicuous, and the natural environment and precious scenery are being destroyed.

Sanoh will continue to proactively carry out environmental conservation activities in order to protect this rich natural environment.


Apr.2005 The 7th Annual Sanoh Global Operations Conference

The 7th Annual Sanoh Global Operations Conference was held on March 15, 2005, and was attended by a total of 40 representatives from 15 of Sanoh’s overseas subsidiary companies, as well as domestic operating officers and departmental managers.

The conference is held annually with the aim of further maximizing management vitality and strengthening the solidarity between the Sanoh Group and its overseas subsidiaries. During the recent conference, active discussions were held concerning matters such as each subsidiary’s operational challenges and business strategies for 2005.

At a ceremony held following the conferences, awards for Best Communication, Best Management and Best Improvement were presented to select Sanoh subsidiary companies that demonstrated particularly remarkable achievements within the past year.

Mar.2005 NikoNiko Service Incorporated Non-Profit Organization Website Relaunched

NikoNiko Service, an incorporated non-profit organization established in April of 2000 with support from Sanoh, has been providing various kinds of services and volunteer activities to the community for the purpose of contributing to the qualitative improvement of the local public welfare.

Five years after its establishment, NikoNiko Service has relaunched their website in order to make their accumulated experience, know-how and ideas from their welfare services widely available to the public in a way that is easy to understand.

NikoNiko Service will aim to continue to compile content and distribute information on their website to be useful for everyone. We welcome you to visit the newly redesigned NikoNiko Service website at: http://www.koganet.ne.jp/niko

>> NikoNiko Service website

Feb.2005 Second Japanese Speech Contest for Overseas Trainees

Recently, Sanoh held a Japanese speech contest for trainees dispatched from overseas subsidiary companies, following up the previous contest held in July of last year (for details about the first speech contest, please see the Topic from August 2004).

Presently, a total of 18 trainees hailing from four countries (China, the Philippines, India and Brazil) are stationed in Japan and are working hard at internships in every department as well as an introductory Japanese language course.

For the Japanese language course, Sanoh invites a full-time Japanese language instructor from the Japan International Training Cooperation Organization (JITCO) and 60 hours of instruction are undertaken in three months.

In the recent speech contest, there was remarkable improvement by the trainees from China in particular, who have attained a level of nearly being able to understand daily conversation in the short period of only two months.

Following the speech contest, managers and persons in charge from the practical training sites engaged in activities with the trainees, such as a game rally and karaoke in their native languages.


Jan.2005 The Making of Kodamatsu, Traditional New Year’s Pine Tree Decorations - A “Made in Sanoh” Challenge -

At Sanoh, all employees carry out their duties based on teamwork and creativity, in line with our management policy of “continuous improvement and the challenge to new technology.” As part of this policy, all employees have established the objective of building all necessary items - not just equipment - with their own hands.

At the end of the year, all members of the General Affairs Group at the Koga Business Office came together to exchange ideas and hand-make traditional Japanese New Year’s pine tree decorations known as a kadomatsu.

Although the growth of pine trees was not very good this year due to a low rainfall during the summer, we were able to choose the most splendid of the crop, which along with our improvement of the building process, resulted in the creation of wonderful kadomatsu again this year.

The kadomatsu will be on display at the Head Office in Koga, the Tokyo Head Office and the front gate of the Koga Business Office through January 6, 2005.

Sanoh will continue to signal the arrival of the New Year to all visitors, employees and neighborhood residents, as well as further our “Made in Sanoh” Challenge.

Dec.2004 Construction Launched on Sanoh Industrial (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. Plant

Following Shanghai Sanoh and Guanzhou Sanoh, Sanoh has launched the construction of our third production base in China, Sanoh Industrial (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. The area of the commercial plant in the primary stage is approximately 40,000 square meters with 7,742 square meters of total floor area, and construction is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2005.

Sanoh Industrial (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary owned by Sanoh and will be our twenty-fourth overseas production base. With operations scheduled to begin in May 2005 and mass production slated for January 2006, the facility will produce tubing for brake line application (brazed steel tubing). Our target is to achieve a production volume of 2,000,000m per month (equivalent to an annual automobile production of 2,000,000 vehicles) by 2007.

In the future expansion of Sanoh’s Chinese operations, we will position the new Wuxi plant as the key production base in China to supply brazed steel tubing throughout the country, beginning with the existing processing facilities in Shanghai and Guangzhou. This will enable us to establish an integrated manufacturing system in China, from localized tubing manufacturing through surface treatment, processing and sales. In the second stage, we plan to expand the business to include plastic products, brazed products for engine parts,, and so on.

In addition, we will introduce leading-edge environmentally friendly production equipment; substitute the use of hexavalent chromium, which is designated as environmentally hazardous material, in surface treatment; etc., in order to carry out production in China with environmental protection as the top priority, as it is in Japan.


Nov.2004 The Dedication of the Eddie S. Jose Study Room

Last month, the training room located inside the Sanoh Global Training Center, which opened in May of this year, was dedicated as the Eddie S. Jose Study Room.

As the president of our overseas subsidiary company Sanoh Fulton Philippines, Inc. (SFPI), Mr. Jose has been an active member of the Sanoh Group and has been devloted to our common challenge of global personnel training by dispatching a total of roughly 40 trainees to Japan over the past 10 years. Eleven trainees from SFPI have come to Japan this year.

The dedication of the training room as the Eddie S. Jose Study Room was done in honor of Mr. Jose’s commitment to personnel training. At the present time, 18 trainees from several of our overseas subsidiaries are stationed in Japan and are working hard at internships in the technology and manufacturing departments as well as in an introductory Japanese language course. It is our intention to utilize this room as a place where trainees from abroad can interact with one another and further cultivate themselves.

In addition, the Eddie S. Jose Study Room will be open as a lounge on non-business days as a place for global communication, such as occasional cultural exchange activities, birthday parties and the like.

Oct.2004 Globally Expanding “All Equipment is Made In Sanoh” to our Second EC Base, Shanghai Sanoh

Sanoh carries out the design, development and manufacture of all processing and production equipment for our in-house products, and therefore we use the slogan “All Equipment is Made In Sanoh.”

At the Engineering Center, where the activities mentioned above are performed, we are actively promoting the global achievement of the establishment of a framework for the optimal logistics and supply of manufacturing equipment and facilities for the transfer of technology developed domestically to our overseas subsidiaries.

Shanghai Sanoh (official name: Shanghai Sanoh Mechanical Co., Ltd.) was founded in Shanghai, China in 1999 and has been designated as the “Second EC Base,” providing manufacturing equipment throughout China as well as the rest of Asia.

Along with the expansion of automotive market in China, in recent years the transfer of technology to Shanghai Sanoh has been progressing at a rapid pace, and at last, February 2004 saw the completion of an LR Bender (high-precision bending equipment), with the materials, parts and manufacture all acquired and performed locally in China. This bender was the first piece of equipment to be “100% Made In Shanghai Sanoh,” and was delivered to our Koga Plant in Japan by reverse import. The function and quality are comparable to the same equipment made in Japan, which confirms Shanghai Sanoh’s outstanding technical capabilities.

We will continue to further pursue the principles of new technology, high quality and low price, and equipment manufactured by Shanghai Sanoh is scheduled for global distribution in the near future.


Sep.2004 Second Mental Health Training Session Held

Recently, Sanoh held a second Mental Health Training Session for management-level employees.

Date held: Friday, August 27, 2004
Instructor: Mr. Akio Ohtsuki, Head Counselor, Ibaraki Counseling Center, Inc.
Participants: 40 managerial employees
Contents:
1) Attitude for helping others ~　The importance of listening　~
- What kind of workplace allows employees to work with ease?
- How should we help those who are in distress?
- What should we do to be a good listener?

2) Dealing with depression
- Characteristics of depression
- What to do when one becomes depressed
- Considerations for when one returns to work

In order to raise awareness of mental health issues, Sanoh will hold a total of three training sessions this year, with all 120 managerial employees in Japan scheduled to attend.


Aug.2004 Trainees from Overseas Subsidiaries Participate in Japanese Speech Contest

Each year, managers and leaders from Sanoh’s overseas subsidiary companies are invited to Sanoh Japan to take part in specialized training activities in fields such as manufacturing and engineering. Presently, eleven trainees from four countries are in Japan undergoing the training program day after day at the Sanoh Global Training Center, which opened in May of this year.

As part of the training curriculum, the trainees participate in a Japanese language course designed to provide them with a basic introduction to the language and taught by a professional instructor. On July 13, a Japanese speech contest was held in order to assess the students’ classroom progress thus far as well as provide them with a motivational boost. The contest was attended by a total of 20 Sanoh spectators, including a number of executive company officers.

The speeches, delivered entirely in Japanese, were composed of a simple self-introduction, as each trainee spoke briefly about their family back home, their favorite Japanese foods and their general gratitude for the training opportunity given to them in Japan. While all of the participants practiced hard in the previous months and performed very well in delivering their speeches, prizes could only be awarded for the top four speeches. One trainee was awarded the top prize for Outstanding Speech and three Best Effort awards were also given out.

Following the contest a small reception was held, during which the trainees from each country and Sanoh staff members enjoyed refreshments and pleasant conversation in a mix of English, Japanese and the trainees’ native languages. For everyone in attendance, it was an excellent experience in cultural exchange, showcasing the strength of a global company that continuously strives to overcome language barriers.

It is our hope that the advancement of each trainees’ Japanese language ability will allow their understanding of the current training material to expand, as well as enable an exponential improvement in communication with fellow Japanese staff at the overseas subsidiaries upon their return to their native countries.

Jul.2004 Two Consecutive Victories for Electric Vehicles Equipped with Sanoh Ni-MH Batteries

As introduced in the January Topics of this year, “EV Dreams” is an Electric Vehicle (EV) racing team utilizing Sanoh’s newly developed Ni-MH batteries in its vehicles
So far in 2004, the team has participated in two races and has achieved
two consecutive victories.

1. First and Second Place in the “Challenge EV Midget II” Competition
On April 17, EV Dreams’ BEAT EV (based on the Honda BEAT) and Coupe EV (based on the Suzuki Fronte Coupe) both participated in the “Challenge EV Midget II” competition, a five-lap time trial sprint race on a 1km course held at the Tsukuba Circuit 1000. Both cars monopolized the podium as BEAT EV took first place and Coupe EV came in second out of a total of 13 competitors.

2. Combined Power of Speed and Energy Efficiency Proved a Powerful Combination at the “Seaside Gymkhana” Competition
On June 13, BEAT EV participated in the “Seaside Gymkhana” competition in Oiso, where contestants raced a 900m course, battling the clock while attempting to use as little electric power as possible. BEAT EV won first prize out of the 13 competitors for its limited fuel usage and high speed run, taking advantage of its light weight.

Sanoh’s EV Special Batteries, which pursue high output and high capacity while maintaining a light weight, have demonstrated their balance of both conservation and expenditure of vehicle energy savings during races.

We will continue to participate in other EV races as well as gas-powered car races in a push for further development breakthroughs in these areas.


Jun.2004 Establishment of the Sanoh Global Training Center

Since 1984, Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd. has been operating a training program in which employees from our overseas subsidiary companies are invited to Japan to receive training in manufacturing technology and management methods that have significantly improved domestic operations in order to enhance their global competitive power.

More than 100 employees have participated in this training program since its initiation, and some have moved on to become high-level managers and leaders in their respective subsidiary companies.

As a result of this success, on May 1, 2004 Sanoh established a new “Global Training Center” in order to expand the training capabilities at our Koga plant.

The facility is comprised of 18 rooms (housing 36 interns at full capacity). Additionally, there are several conference rooms and lounges located on the ground floor of the center, where trainees can participate in active discussions to further their understanding of the program.

In addition to the two trainees from STI Sanoh India currently participating in the program, approximately 30 engineers and leaders from our subsidiary companies in China, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Brazil and the Philippines are scheduled to participate later in 2004. (The Sanoh Group currently has 23 subsidiary companies in 16 countries worldwide.)


May.2004 Internship Program from Findlay University

HiSAN Inc., one of Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd.'s US affiliate companies, established in June 1986 and located in Findlay, Ohio, has been receiving interns from the University of Findlay since October 1993 as part of a community involvement program.

This business internship program provides its interns with hands-on experience at Sanoh in Japan. It is intended to allow the interns the opportunity to assimilate into Japanese culture and life, while living with fellow Japanese employees in the company dormitory. This serves to practically supplement the introductory language and culture courses studied at the University of Findlay.

Over the past ten years, five students have experienced this internship. Currently, Mr. Zachary Pina, a journalism major and Japanese language minor, is performing his internship in the Global General Affairs Division at the Sanoh head office.

His primary duties this year have been focused on the promotion of an English conversation program for Sanoh employees, through which English communication between himself and his fellow employees has developed.

Meanwhile, another young Sanoh employee, Mr. Munetoshi Sasaki, is currently attending MBA courses at the University of Findlay.


May.2004 Sanoh Europe (France) EURL Receives "Achievement Award" from TMEM

On March 25, 2004, the TMEM (Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Europe) 2004 Annual Business Meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium. In the meeting, Sanoh Europe (France) EURL was awarded the "Achievement Award" in the 2003 Supply Management category.

This prestigious award is granted once a year to suppliers who contributed to Toyota's highest standards of excellence among all suppliers to Toyota's four manufacturing companies located in Europe (France, UK, Turkey, and Poland).

After receiving a supplier Recognition Certificate from Toyota last year, Sanoh Europe's employees committed diligent efforts and accomplished further progress this year by receiving the Achievement Award.


Apr.2004 The 6th Annual Sanoh Global Operations Conference

The 6th Annual Sanoh Global Operations Conference was held on March 5, 2004, bringing together thirty-nine representatives from twelve of Sanoh's overseas affiliate companies, as well as domestic operating officers and departmental managers.

The conference is held annually with the aim of maximizing management vitality and further strengthening the solidarity of the Sanoh Group. Active discussions were held during the conference concerning matters such as each affiliate company's business challenges and business strategies for 2004.

At a ceremony held following the conference, various awards, including three for Outstanding Communication, were presented to Sanoh's affiliate companies that demonstrated remarkable achievement within the past year.

Mar.2004 Sanoh's Plastic Fuel Tube Assembly Adopted for Motorcycle Use for the First Time

Sanoh's plastic fuel tube assembly has been adopted by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. for their latest motorcycle model for export, the Ninja ZX-10R. This is the first time that a Sanoh product has been adopted for use in motorcycles.

Consisting of a plastic tube with quick connectors affixed to both tube ends, this product is utilized in sending fuel from the fuel tank to the throttle body. (Please refer to the picture)

The quick connectors include a mechanism where a connection can only be made when the pipe to be connected is inserted completely. In addition, the ease of maintenance after sales has also been considered, as this mechanism remains reliable throughout repeated attachment and removal. Therefore, problems due to imperfect connections can be easily avoided.

To ensure safety, the plastic tube was designed with a thermoplastic elastomer coat to act as a protector in preventing scratches from contact. Designed to improve safety, this protector is comprised of a special flame-retardant rubber compound, which is vastly different from conventional protectors that use rubber hoses.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries also plans to adopt this assembly in future motorcycle releases.

>> Click here to visit the Plastic Tubular Products page

Feb.2004 Tube Endforming Technology

Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd. produces tubing that is processed into critical automotive safety parts designed for the three major safety functions of automobiles: turning, stopping and reducing the risk of fire.

Tubing processed into automotive parts is utilized for the supply of gasoline, oil, etc. throughout the vehicle, and the end portions of the tubes are specially formed according the shapes of the counterparts to which they will be joined. In order to ensure proper safety, tube ends must be formed into a wide variety of shapes in accordance with the designated purpose of the tube. Just as with the production of tubing, endforming is a very important technology and requires ensuring that the end portions of the tube are of the necessary strength and reliability.

Sanoh possesses a wide variety of tube enforming technologies to meet any purpose, and processing is performed by equipment created within Sanoh's own Engineering Center.

< Examples of Endforming Types >

■ Bulge Shape
For connections to rubber tubes, etc.

■ Flare Shape
For use with high-pressure tubes such as brake lines

■ Quick Spool Shape
For one-touch connections using Sanoh's quick connectors

■ ISO Flare
For use with high-pressure tubes such as brake lines

■ PCO (Press Fit Connection with O-Ring)
For connections to plastic tubes

■ Seal Lock
For use with high-pressure tubes for compressed natural gas

■ Other
For use with parts possessing unique specifications

The endforming of tube at Sanoh is performed efficiently with the suitable processing method and equipment chosen according to the intended end portion shapes. Processing methods include direct processing with pneumatic or hydraulic equipment, processing using a press mechanism, processing using pressing rollers, etc.

Jan.2004 An Electric Vehicle Equipped with Sanoh's Special Batteries to Participate in Race

"EV Dreams" is an Electric Vehicle (EV) racing team that is operated independently by twenty volunteer Sanoh employees. They have converted a commercially available car into an electric vehicle by hand, and have participated in electric vehicle endurance and sprint races held at racing circuits. They have stood on victory stands ten times out of the thirteen races that they have participated in. Sanoh has supported such activities by providing batteries and other support.

Recently, Sanoh has completed the development of the "Sanoh EV Special Battery,"
which was based on Sanoh's Ni-MH batteries and specially designed for electric vehicles.
Utilizing the know-how obtained through the experiences in EV races, the new battery was developed in pursuit of increased output, a higher capacity and a lighter weight.

◆Sanoh EV Special Battery-Cell
Diameter: φ25.5 mm
Height: 60.0 mm
Weight: 130 g
Rated Voltage: 1.2 V
Nominal Capacity: 6.2 Ah
Specific Energy: 58 Wh/kg
Specific Power: 870 W/kg
Maximum Discharge Amperes: 130 A

◆Sanoh EV Special Battery-Module
Dimensions: 307 (W)×262 (L)×122 (H)
Weight: 12.0 kg
Rated Voltage: 24.0 V
Nominal Capacity: 24.8 Ah
Specific Energy: 50 Wh/kg
Specific Power: 743 W/kg
Maximum Discharge Amperes: 520 A

On January 11, 2004 a modified Honda Beat EV equipped with the new batteries will enter the K&K Clubman's Meeting endurance race, which will be held for gasoline-powered cars at the Tsukuba Circuit in Ibaraki Prefecture.


Nov.2003 Sanoh's Ni-MH Batteries Exhibited at 2003 Japan International Cycle Show

The 2003 Japan International Cycle Show was held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center ("Tokyo Big Sight") from October 31 through November 2, 2003.

Sunstar Engineering Inc., whose top-selling "Intelligent Bike" electric motor-assisted bicycle utilizes Sanoh's Ni-MH Batteries, hosted a booth at the exhibition and attracted a great number of visitors. In addition to the Intelligent Bike, the "Intelligent Bike Kit," an electric motor assist attachment unit for bicycles also drew significant interest from attendees.

Sanoh's Ni-MH Batteries and battery charger were also exhibited at Sunstar Engineering's booth, where they were successfully presented to attendees as high-performance batteries that contribute to the superior motor-assisted capability of the Intelligent Bike.

Sanoh will continue to provide high performance Ni-MH Batteries that satisfy the requirements of our customers, including Sunstar Engineering Inc.

>> Click here to visit the Ni-MH Battery page