Japanese automotive parts and systems manufacturer CalsonicKansei marks its 30th anniversary in North America with fresh confidence to expand operations, buoyed by its impressive performance in the region.
Its territory surpassing that of its headquarters in Japan, CK North America, which also has operations in Mexico and Brazil, accounts for the largest share of the company’s global revenues at 40 percent.
“Globally, 80 percent of our business is with Nissan and in this region it is higher than 90 percent. Nissan has a good position here and is focused on expanding in the Americas. We are looking at how we can continue to develop the business with Nissan and grow with their expansion,” explained CK North America Chairman and CEO Shingo Yamamoto.
As part of a midterm plan, CK North America has four objectives: to become a “growing, green, global and great” company. By 2016, the Japanese giant hopes to become one of the 10 largest automotive parts manufacturers in the world, with vital support from its North American subsidiary.
But while it remains the largest automotive supplier for Nissan, CK North America also realizes the importance of diversifying its customer base.
“As a tier-one supplier, we have to be experts on specific products. In knowing other trends and technologies from other OEMs, it will enhance our ability to provide better solutions that will create win-win situations in our customer relationships,” Yamamoto said.
“For this reason, we have to consider how we can expand our business to other OEMs. That is our next challenge after 2016. We’re already starting to compete with other suppliers to expand our business,” he added.
Gradually expanding its research and development capabilities in Mexico and Tennessee, Yamamoto is laying the foundation for stronger growth as CalsonicKansei designs and unveils new high-tech products.
“Our manufacturing operations are key to providing high-quality and prompt delivery to our customers. I’m working to create true operational excellence with world-class quality over here,” Yamamoto said.
