Fiscal 2015 New Employee Initiation Ceremony

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of UACJ, it gives me great pleasure to be here today, and be the first to congratulate you and welcome you, the newest members of the UACJ Group, to our family.

As young adults embarking on your first year as members of society, by joining the rolled aluminum industry, you have each taken the first step in what I trust will be long and prosperous career.
The business environment surrounding our industry is continually evolving; and today that evolution is happening at a speed faster than ever before. This brings with it drastic and complicated changes we must endure and manage. As we compete with other manufacturers in the global market, it is only proper to expect the environment to grow more severe.
In order to ensure sustainable growth for the UACJ Group, we must proactively build a firm business foundation capable of weathering any and all change around us.

In December of last year, we introduced the Global Step I Mid-term Management Plan, our first midterm plan since merging the companies that created UACJ. Under this plan, beginning from this fiscal year, for the next three years our focus is to build a fortified base that enables us to rapidly progress as an aluminum industry leader in the competitive global market.
During this period, UACJ will further improve quality and cost competitiveness by constructing an optimal global production network, and pursuing the integration and further development of technologies amassed by our two predecessor companies, Furukawa Sky Aluminum Corporation and Sumitomo Light Metal Industries Limited.

It is also important to strengthen business in growth regions. This includes actualizing the benefits of large-scale strategic investments early on, such as the early startup of fully- integrated manufacturing at UACJ (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and development of the North American automotive body-in-white business, as well as expanding growth products in the energy and transportation fields, particularly those related to the automotive industry.

As new members of the UACJ family, you bring a youthful perspective and vigor to your respective departments and positions. By living up to your fullest potential, I look forward to seeing you make great contributions to the competitiveness of UACJ.

From this day, you open a new chapter in life as you begin work at UACJ. As a hint to help you along toward your future success, there are three points I would like you to keep in mind.

The first is trust. Earning the respect and trust of all stakeholders is the first item stipulated in our company principles. It is important that you strive, personally, to be a figure of trust. This involves not only complying with laws and social norms, but also having a clear understanding of work procedures and approaching all activities diligently. As a member of the UACJ Group, you should maintain a strict awareness of ethics and always be proactive and fair in your conduct.

UACJ business is based entirely on customer confidence and trust. In order to capture that trust we must ensure customer satisfaction, quickly grasping customers’ needs and the timely development of new products for the market that meet those needs.
Your opportunities to connect with customers in the future will likely be many and varied. Whatever form that connection takes, I ask that you remain ever mindful of the importance of trust.

The second point I would like you to keep in mind is the importance of self-motivation. As I mentioned earlier, the business environment surrounding the UACJ Group places us at the center of global competition and drastic change. If we simply maintain past viewpoints and actions, we may find ourselves buried and forgotten. In order for UACJ to succeed in new areas of business and continue to contribute to society, it is vital to maintain motivation and foresight. We must retain a sense of urgency and boldly pursue innovation.

Even the best of strategies is useless if action is not taken. Accumulating experience through an honest, diligent approach is a fundamental part of growing as a businessperson. But success requires more than completing tasks assigned. You must develop good habits and good character by continuously asking yourself, “What should I do in this situation? What is the most appropriate action?”
Your career is now ahead of you. Over the years, you will likely experience your share of failures. But when you make a mistake, do not become lost in regret. Instead, ask yourself what happened and why. Explore the causes of your mistakes, and never forget to learn from them. Through continuous trial and error you will have the opportunity to grow, and gain experience as a self-motivated professional. A person with the strength to succeed at any task, no matter how great.

The third point I want you to keep in mind is the importance of growing as a professional capable of acting on the global stage.
Language ability is an increasingly indispensable communication tool for global action. I urge you to excel in this area.

However, language skills are not the only practical requirement for global business success. Understanding is a two-way street, and acting with a strong sense of confidence, values and self-esteem is equally important.
Be open, receptive and understanding to the cultures and customs of other countries. But also be firm in your own thoughts and beliefs. Learn to be persistent and persuasive when necessary.
I look forward to seeing you each grow, as global professionals with broad perspectives, who respect and make the most of each other’s individuality.

In addition to these three points, I have one more request. Please remember to practice safety during your work and remain healthy. In order for both your professional and private lives to be rich and rewarding, it is important to maintain a safe and pleasant working environment. By doing so, all members active in the workplace will remain physically and mentally healthy. Never forgot that safety is a first priority, and physical and mental health is the foundation on which a successful professional life is built.

As a company, UACJ offers employees a wide range of opportunities for success, both in Japan and internationally. Be proud of having joined the UACJ Group, and let us work together to build a company that contributes to society through a strong tradition of manufacturing, and ensuring the satisfaction of customers around the world.
As members of UACJ, and contributing members of society, I wish each and every one of you the greatest success in your future career. Thank you.