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• Laser Cutting Machines Leader's Comments |
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Have you achieved your increased production system for 100 units per year in three years?
We carry out four types of numerical control,
such as annual sales, annual profit, amount of annual
received orders and number of units shipped per year. Our
target was the shipment of 300 units per year, and we have
so far achieved our sales and number of received orders for
300 units or more. Looking at the number
of units is important, but we have recently received many
system-oriented orders. It is not just a single unit, but
it is a system for rationalizing and boosting productivity.
In concrete terms, it is an unattended operation system.
With the increasing reliability of our laser cutting machines,
there has come an additional need for unattended operation
in the market. We believe it is going to be a new business
chance for us.
 
As for overseas strategy, we are making every effort to advance into the U.S.A. and build up our after-sales service bases in Korea and Taiwan. Without service bases and dealers, it is difficult to sell our products in a responsible manner, as we initially anticipated. We are now planning to build up a solid network of service bases and dealers in two to three years, centering on the northern hemisphere.
Is it necessary to put a mass production system in place?
We have already adopted a forecast-based
production system. At present,
it is within the range of 22 to 25 units per month. It is rather
difficult for us to select specific models for forecast-based
production out of a great number of models.
Taking advantage of our abundant lineup of production capabilities that only NTC can achieve, we will challenge a system of flexibly meeting the requests for shorter delivery time from the market.
How about your new products in the future?
We will reinforce our 3D five-axis laser cutting machines. The current TLM series machines have been intended for such users that specialize in the production ranging from medium type products, medium quantity products to prototype products.Our new products will meet the needs of semi-mass production range.
In terms of the world market share, the existing TLM models may be valid for the needs of 70%, but the new models will meet the needs of the remaining 20%. We are aiming at eventually dominating 90% of the 3D 5-axis market.
As for 2D machines, we will make minor changes to produce more stable and high-productivity machines.
How about your resolution for the future
I feel it is very important to do everything
within our own division. We build up a fund for the development
of next models while we earn profits in our laser cutting machine
business, and pay off the costs. In this way, there is no room
for us to depend on others. Everyday, I
shake up myself and employees saying, "How can we beat down
our competitors that way."
"To be counted in three fingers in the world" is just a passing point. We have to become No. 1 in the world. You cannot grow unless you have the will to become No. 1 in the world. That is the way we think about it.
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