Building a new system of production and distribution with an eye toward the future Producing high-quality products while maintaining harmony with the environment. In Japan, Shachihata's production base is concentrated in the Amazuka Factory, Inazawa Factory, and Material Factory. The timely provision of high-quality products is made possible by the efficient management of distribution, fuman resources, and information, and by a comprehensive production system that covers everything from material purchases to zone arrangement by each process block. In particular, our Inazawa Factory makes use of an ecological system that is friendly to people and the environment, paying close attention to the production environment and surrounding environment. (photo:Unattended production line) Acquiring ISO9002 and ISO9001 certification----- the international standards for quality assurance. In August 1993, our Amazuka Factory obtained ISO9002 certification for its quality assurance system from manufacturing to after-care service. The same certification was obtained by our Inazawa Factory in November 1994. Both factories are now gearing up to obtain ISO9001 certification, an assurance of product quality from the development and design stages, to improve the satisfaction and trust customers have in Shachihata. Speedy, accurate product delivery via a new distribution system. The Nishiharu Distribution Center is responsible for managing the distribution of products made at the Amazuka Factory and Inazawa Factory and products imported from abroad. To ensure speedy and accurate product delivery, we have introduced an automatic ware house system,"Magic Aisle," that uses computer control to manage incoming and outgoing products. Also we employ an "Online Automatic Tabulation System" to manage the orders received from outlets all over Japan. Thses two systems give us the capability to manufacture and deliver just the required products in the required volumes. (photo:automatic ware house system"Magic Aisle") More overseas production bases and business development with a view toward the future. Shachihata has earned a solid reputaion around the world. In 1994, we established a writing-instrument manufacturing plant in Malaysia to produce Artline brand products to improve our international competitiveness in Asia and Europe. We also have production bases located in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Australia, and Canada. We are bringing Shachihata quality to regions throughout the world while deepening our exchange with and contribution to local communities.