Feb 28, 2012
Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

Hitachi Chemical to Enhance Production Capacity of its Manufacturing Subsidiary of Powder Metal Products

- Now commenced full-scale production of valve timing control system component, operating at 1.5 times its former production capacity -

Sintering Technologies, Inc. (Head Office: Indiana, USA; President: Yasushi Tamura; Capital: 17.5 million US$, hereinafter referred to as "STI"), a powder metal products manufacturing subsidiary of Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo; President and CEO: Kazuyuki Tanaka; Capital:15.5 billion yen, hereinafter referred to as "Hitachi Chemical"), has now commenced full-scale production after enhancement of production capacity of valve timing control system component by 150% in response to increasing demand from the North American auto market. As of April 1, STI will change from its current name to Hitachi Powdered Metals (USA), Inc., and will aim to further expand its business and improve its services.

STI has been manufacturing and distributing powder metal products for vehicles as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Powdered Metals Co., Ltd. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Chemical, since 1995 after originally being established as a joint venture company of Hitachi Powdered Metals Co., Ltd. and a local company in 1987. STI's strength is its engine component technology, particularly that of its valve guide. STI enhanced its valve timing control system component manufacturing facilities and has subsequently increased production capacity by 150% in expectation of increased demand for valve timing control system component in the North American market.

At the Hitachi Chemical Group, in an effort to strengthen synergy within the Group on a global scale, a variety of measures and policies has been implemented. As a part of these initiatives, Hitachi Chemical has decided to change the name of STI to Hitachi Powdered Metals (USA) as of April 1. Hitachi Chemical Group aims to use this change of name to associate the company with Hitachi Chemical and raise its profile within its market and customer base.

With powder metal products manufacturing locations in the U.S., Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia (operation started in February 2012), and India (to commence operation in April 2013), the Hitachi Chemical Group has the capacity to supply products to meet the demands of its clients globally, and will strive to improve service to further increase customer satisfaction.

< Outline of Hitachi Powdered Metals (USA), Inc. (new name) >
Company Name: Hitachi Powdered Metals (USA), Inc. (old name: Sintering Technologies, Inc.)
Location: Greensburg, Indiana, U.S.A.
Representative: Yasushi Tamura, President
Description of Business: Manufacturing and marketing of powder metal products.
Capital: 17.5 million US$
Establishment: 1987
Shareholder Structure: 100% owned by Hitachi Powdered Metals Co., Ltd.
Number of Employees: 257

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