LEBANON, OH – September 3, 2008 – Fujitec America, Inc., an affiliate of Fujitec Co., Ltd. [NIKKEI 6406] today announced the plan for relocation of its headquarters in Ohio. The new location will be at 7258 Innovation Way in the City of Mason’s Innovation Business Center, on the west side of Interstate 71 near the Western Row Road Exit 24. Fujitec’s current headquarters is in neighboring Lebanon, Ohio, approximately seven miles north of the new facility.
The new 116,200 square foot headquarters will include 34,200 square feet of office and 82,000 square feet of manufacturing space. According to Kenny Yamashiro, President of Fujitec America, Inc., “The newly designed headquarters and manufacturing facilities will better serve our current and future needs when completed. With the most advanced facilities and contemporary working environment, the plan will ensure Fujitec America is positioned for strong long-term growth in the U.S. market, and reaffirm our long-term commitment to this region. ”
“We will continue to utilize the blue-capped 200-foot research and test tower landmark in this region. Elevator and escalator research and development will continue to be a focus at the current Lebanon facility,” adds Mr. Yamashiro.
The new premises will be ready for full occupancy and operation in early 2009.
Fujitec America, Inc. remains committed to improving and protecting the environment through its products and operations. Careful attention has been paid to the environmental impact of the new headquarters. New facility designs have maximized the use of natural and energy efficient technologies throughout the building. Lighting/appliances, updated electric/plumbing, hands-free fixtures (for reduced water usage) and new smart HVAC with precise temperature controls, all contribute to Fujitec’s strong commitment to recycling and the use of refurbished materials, which have also been implemented at all of Fujitec’s facilities in the U.S.
The new Mason plant, along with last year’s expanded Los Angles and New York facilities support Fujitec’s U.S. strategic plan.
Fujitec’s New York operations recently relocated to a new facility in Clifton, NJ, a 15 minute drive into the center of Manhattan where Fujitec owns sizable share of new elevator installation business. Approximately 97,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space are filled with full functions to service its strategically important market with personnel including engineering, installation/service management, sales, finance and a region’s call center.
Don Regina, Executive Vice President, Fujitec America, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of the New York operations, says “We’ve been fortunate to gain the trust of a large majority of customers in Manhattan and surrounding areas – including such customers as the New York Times Building, New Giant Stadium and countless other premium office, hotel and luxury residential buildings.” Regina adds, “Just 11 miles from Manhattan, our new facility is convenient and practical to providing the best service to our customer base.”
A new procurement facility in Torrance, CA, south of Los Angeles serves as a procurement staging point for machines and other components from Fujitec’s manufacturing plants overseas to Fujitec America’s branches throughout the major U.S. metropolitan cities. “We are pleased to be a part of the overall expansion of Fujitec America, Inc. by assuming more company-driven responsibilities here in Los Angeles,” said Joe Rennekamp, western region vice president. “With the new Mason HQ manufacturing plant and through this LA facility, we can better serve all of our branch operations and positively improve delivery schedules.”
About Fujitec
Fujitec America, Inc., as a leading provider of elevators, escalators, moving walkway systems and service/maintenance/modernization, has been elevating performance in America’s finest buildings for 30 years. The parent company, Fujitec Co., Ltd., was founded in Osaka, Japan in 1948. Fujitec’s worldwide organization consists of 24 global affiliates. Further information about Fujitec can be found at www.fujitecamerica.com and www.fujitec.com.
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