Komori Provides Update on Facilities in Japan

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—Komori Corp. reports it has resumed manufacturing operations in Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country. As of March 22, normal operations resumed at the Tsukuba and Yamagata factories. The first shipment from the Tsukuba plant after the earthquake was a four-color Lithrone S40 that was shipped to China. The first shipment from the Yamagata factory was a four-color Lithrone S26 shipped to a Japanese user. Since that time presses have been shipped to customers in Japan, China, North America, Latin America, Europe and India.

Because many of Komori’s suppliers are located in the area from the northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture to the Tohuku region, there were some instances were Komori had to pick up parts and components during the period when fuel supplies were unstable immediately following the earthquake. However, with the improvement in transportation and fuel supplies, the situation has returned to normal. Komori is providing reconstruction assistance to its partner companies directly impacted by the earthquake, and is using alternative suppliers if necessary, on a temporary basis, to meet production requirements.

While there are some minor delays in shipment of some machines, the Yamagata plant expects to be back on schedule by the end of April 2011 and the Tsukuba plant by the end of May 2011.

“We are quite relieved that the situation in Japan is normalizing,” said Kosh Miyao, president and COO of Komori America. “I would also like to extend our gratitude for the many messages of encouragement and support we have received from our customers and suppliers and others in the graphic arts industry. We appreciate everyone’s good will and understanding as we get back to normal.”