MHI to Intensify Proposal-based Marketing Approach

In pursuing synergy effects from the integration of its business operations with those of Federal Broach, MHI looks to explore global markets leveraging the two companies' respective business bases. Major targets are automotive-related industries and manufacturers of jet engines and turbines that use the broaches*1 and broach machines produced by Federal Broach, as well as users of automotive, construction and industrial machinery in the Asian markets, where MHI is in a position of solid strength.

Together the two companies will offer potential customers proposals on various machine tools and cutting tools, including gear cutting machinery, as well as know-how in selecting optimum machining technology. This approach is designed to help customers extend their range of machining process choices according to their specific needs: for example, enhancement of mass-production capability, greater machining accuracy or cost reductions. In addition, integration of the two companies' production and production-control technologies will enable shorter delivery periods and provision of finely tuned servicing and support leveraging their respective operating bases.

At IMTS 2012 MHI and Federal Broach will jointly propose systems capable for high-speed precision machining of workpieces, including gears. MHI will present its "MVR30," a double-column 5-face milling machine, and two gear machines: the "SE25A," a dry-cut gear shaping machine, and the "ZE40A," a universal gear grinding machine capable of numerically controlled (NC) high-precision machining of post-heat treatment gears. The MVR30 provides highly accurate, high-speed machining and has an abundant delivery track record, mainly for machining of metallic molds for automobile parts and parts used in various large-size machines. The ZE40A is capable of accommodating both generating grinding and profile grinding*2 and can be applied to machining of diverse workpieces. Federal Broach will exhibit various cutting tools: helical broaches used to process the inner teeth of helical gears, which are found in the automatic transmission gears of motor vehicles, and "pine tree" type broaches, which are used primarily for machining grooves that mate blades and turbine discs in the fabrication of jet engines and turbines for power generation plants.

IMTS, which takes place every other year, is one of the world's three largest international machine tool fairs, along with Europe's Machine Tool World Exposition (EMO) and the Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF). IMTS attracts manufacturers and users not only in the U.S. but from all over the world, setting the scene for active business negotiations. Through the show MHI aims to expand its proposal-based marketing approach to potential customers, with expectations of order receipts during the exhibition.

MHI is one of a few companies in the world which handle both machine tools and their cutting tools. Leveraging this advantage, the company has developed various innovative products and technologies, including the world's first "dry-cut gear cutting system." The markets and products of MHI and Federal Broach are highly complementary, with more than 95% of MHI's machine tool and cutting tool sales coming from Asia and about 80% of Federal Broach's sales emanating from North America and Europe. Going forward the two companies intend to continue strengthening their collaboration to precisely respond to needs of customers.