From the source to the great river - SRK-ER's manufacturing approach

Recently, I attended the 30th anniversary ceremony for SumiRiko Eastern Rubber (Thailand) Ltd. (hereinafter SRK-ER), a group company in Thailand.
SRK-ER was established in 1995, following our US base in 1988, and is the second-oldest overseas production base for our group. It has been responsible for the manufacturing and sale of automotive anti-vibration rubber.

Overcoming Difficulties for 30 Years

Since its founding, SRK-ER has endured numerous challenges, including the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2011 floods, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortage.

Each time, local staff and expatriates have worked together to overcome challenges.

In particular, I have heard that teir employees worked day and night to protect our customers' production lines during the major floods of 2011, and I would like to express my deepest respect for them.

I believe that the three pillars that have enabled SRK-ER to continue growing for 30 years are:

*Problem-solving capabilities based on co-creation

*An organizational culture that continually pursues quality improvement

*Tireless efforts of our employees that have supported this

The fact that we have been continuously recognized by our major customers in the fields of safety, environment, and quality is proof that these three pillars have borne fruit.

"From Source to River" - A Symbolic Fountain

The ceremony featured a dance performance titled "30 Years of Creation: From Source to River," based on the history of SRK-ER. This dance was performed by employees who practiced it during their shifts and performed it for this special occasion.
The smiles on the faces of each employee and the warm words of encouragement received from other bases and shareholders gave me a strong sense of unity and engagement at SRK-ER.

Likening the company's origins to a "spring" (source = source of a current), a new "spring" was installed at the factory to commemorate the 30th anniversary.

Utilizing ideas cultivated through on-site KAIZEN activities, an unveiling ceremony was also held featuring a Karakuri (mechanical) device.
At SRK-ER, they engage in daily KAIZEN activities, sharing ideas for maintaining quality and never settling for the status quo, constantly striving for improvement.

The trust between local staff and expatriates is the true source of the company's competitiveness.

This fountain represents our hope that SRK-ER, as a manufacturing company in Asia, will grow into a "great river" that will solve the challenges that society will face in the future.

We are confident that these three pillars will lead to the achievement of the Sumitomo Riko Group Vision for 2029 (2029V) and further growth into the future.

The Spirit of Trust Residing in Sumitomo Igeta

Another motif symbolizing the spring is the "Sumitomo Igeta."

The spirit of "trust" that our predecessors have built over 400 years has been passed down and is the foundation that our Group values.
It is essential that our global bases, which are spread across more than 20 countries around the world, move in the same direction as one team, based on the Sumitomo Spirit of "Banji-nissei," "Shinyo-kakujitsu," and "Fusu-furi."

To that end, it is important to share our direction and awareness based on 2029V and our ideal future status, and to respect the independent actions of each employee.
While strictly adhering to the rules and direction we must follow, we will continue to take on challenges as we look toward the great rivers of the future and build trust every day.
I believe that this is the path to continuing to increase our value as a manufacturing company.
Lastly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all SRK-ER employees and all those involved who have supported us over the past 30 years.