8 | The Times | Friday, February 22, 2019 (Sponsored content)

Produced by: GLOBAL MEDIA POST www.gmipost.com DOUBLE MILESTONE FOR NGK CERAMICS USA A STEADILY GROWING Since its founding in Mooresville, North Carolina, in Apart from North Carolina’s business-friendly en- 1988, NGK Ceramics USA has expanded more than vironment, talented workforce and good quality of 15 times over the last 30 years. One of eight subsid- life, NGK Ceramics USA also attributes its success iaries in the Ceramics Products Division, the compa- to the vote of confidence from its parent company, ny makes ceramic substrates for catalytic convert- which is celebrating its centenary anniversary in PARTNER FOR JAPAN ers, which clean the exhaust emissions of cars and 2019. trucks. “I’m the first non-Japanese president in this divi- Within the Southeast , Japanese companies have found several attractive investment destinations, The Japanese parent company NGK Insulators sion of NGK. The trust that they gave me to run this namely Georgia and North Carolina. Meanwhile, South Carolina and Virginia have also given their neighboring states Ltd., selected North Carolina for its site because of facility is something that I’m grateful for,” Dailey the state’s location near other players in the same said. some stiff competition by offering favorable investment conditions. industry and the proximity to raw materials used in As the market for ceramic substrates continues the product. to grow because of stricter global emission stan- Greensboro, NC because of its airport’s future growth potential, skilled workforce and “We chose this location because of its strategic fit dards, NGK Ceramics USA remains dedicated to de- GEORGIA: quality of life. And, as in the rest of the state, there is strong support from the state and lo- with our operations. And as we celebrate our 30th veloping better products. OLD, RELIABLE PARTNER cal business partners,” explained HondaJet President and CEO . year here, I can confirm that North Carolina has “We are now seeing a new substrate, called the North Carolina’s Honorary Consul to Japan David Robinson is enthusiastic about the been essential to our success,” said NGK Ceramics gasoline particulate filter. It is expected to enter For the sixth straight year, Georgia, cited for its excellent infrastructure and workforce, current trajectory of the state’s relationship with Japan. USA President Steve Dailey, who has been with the U.S. market by 2025. Our aim is to convince our headed the Top Business Climate list of Site Selection magazine last November. But, for “We already have strong Japanese names in the state — AW North Carolina, HondaJet, the company from day one and has seen staff grow headquarters that we are the logical place to make several years, the state has remained first choice for Japanese companies, like YKK, Toto . With the available talent that they can still discover here, we’re ready to welcome from three to 900. that new product,” Dailey said. and more than 600 others, all of which employ thousands of local residents. more investment from Japan,” Robinson said. “The journey NGK Ceramics USA had is astound- “We are continually strengthening our people, “Georgia, the center of the Southeast USA region, has the two great seaports of ing. It took us two years before we finalized our products and systems as the industry evolves. Savannah and Brunswick. At the core of the state is also the world’s busiest airport, which process and started selling products. Now, we re- We’re ready to leap into the future to continue our easily connects Georgia to any part of the country and the world,” Consul General of SOUTH CAROLINA: cently produced our 300 millionth substrate,” Dailey success story for the next 30 years,” Dailey added. Japan in Atlanta Takashi Shinozuka said. WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES also said. www.ngkceramics.com Headed by recently appointed general manager, John Selden, the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is undergoing a 20-year development program — ATLNext Not lagging behind its neighbors, South Carolina has presented a lot of promise for — designed to increase passenger capacity, replace Japanese business, particularly in Greenwood, where Japanese giant Teijin just broke facilities and improve its design. ground for its $600-million carbon fiber plant. Just across the road is Fujifilm, which has Apart from location and infrastructure, the state’s undergone various expansions since its first opening in 1988, including the most recent competitive advantage is the quality of the work- investment in 2018. force. The government takes pride in its world-ac- “Fujifilm has been here with us for 30 years. Its most recent expansion is worth noting claimed training program, Georgia Quick Start, which because it diversifies the product offerings in Greenwood,” said Greenwood Partnership is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. Alliance CEO Heather Simmons. , Rinnai, Interamerica and several While upstate South Carolina is more industrialized, other areas in the state have seen other Japanese companies have availed of this pro- an influx of fresh Japanese investment. Aiken County, southwest of the capital Columbia, NGK CERAMICS USA CERAMICS NGK gram to further develop their employees. is home to Americas, the county’s largest employer. USA CERAMICS NGK “Anyone can see that the relationship is strong “We hit a home run in 1997 when Bridgestone came. They were looking for a pro-busi- Ceramic substrates made by NGK Ceramics USA NGK Ceramics USA’s head o ce in Mooresville, NC and will continue to be so. Investments will contin- ness, non-union area, and found a good fit with us,” said Will Williams, president and ue to come here because of its welcoming govern- CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of ment, great infrastructure and talented workforce,” South Carolina, which covers the counties of Aiken, Shinozuka said. Edgefield, Saluda and McCormick. AERO RAISES BAR ON TECHNOLOGY Director of Global Commerce of the Department On the coast, the metropolitan area of Charleston

JETRO of Economic Development Scott McMurray pointed is positioning itself as a leading logistical hub in the , Inc., a subsidiary of Japanese car JETRO Atlanta Chief Executive out that the strong relationship between the state southeastern United States. With the deepest port in maker, Honda Motor Co., and the engine supplier of Director Takuya Takahashi and Japan was a result of many years of work. the south Atlantic and other competitive advantages, business jets, such as the HondaJet, manufactured “We have always prioritized Japan and see it as one Charleston is looking to attract more Japanese inves- by , has redefined jet en- of our main partners. In fact, Georgia is celebrating tors. gine technology by providing engines that enable the 45th anniversary of our office in Tokyo, the state’s first overseas office. This is a testa- “Six Japanese companies currently call Charleston aircraft with best-in-class speed, efficiency and the ment to the commitment we have toward our Japanese partners,” McMurray said. home. Carbon has been our long- smoothest and quietest rides. And, further raising its profile among Japanese business, the city of Savannah will host standing partner and also serves as our community’s The engines are made for GE Honda Aero Engines, the Southeast United States Japan Conference in October. ambassador,” said Michael Graney, vice president a U.S.-based joint venture between Honda Aero North of Georgia, the states of North Carolina and South Carolina are trying to catch up for global business development of Charleston and GE Aviation, and sold to Honda Aircraft, maker in the race to attract more foreign investment, particularly from Japan. Regional Development Alliance. of the HondaJet, and to other aircraft companies. “We’re seeing the relationship of these states with Japan strengthening,” said JETRO “The Charleston area is certainly growing. We Honda Aero attributes its success in the United

Atlanta Chief Executive Director Takuya Takahashi, whose office oversees the states of JAASC would like more Japanese to be our partners in this States to the decision to establish operations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. Japan America Association of journey. For Japanese investors eyeing the United Burlington, North Carolina. HONDA AERO, INC. Shinozuka also pointed out: “When you take a look at North Carolina and South South Carolina (JAASC) Chairman States for opportunities, start in South Carolina. We “We chose this location in order to be closer to Honda Aero, Inc. President and CEO Atsukuni Waragai Carolina, the number of Japanese companies has not been as large as in Georgia. But ac- Satoru Ogawa welcome you here in Charleston!” Graney added. one of our key customers. Honda Aircraft is only cording to our statistics, the number of Japanese-affiliated companies in these two states “We were formed in 1988 because of the grow- half an hour away from us. We’re also in the center to manufacture parts in-house, we are ready for has almost doubled in the past 10 years.” ing presence of Japan in the state,” said Japan America Association of South Carolina of a major traffic zone for small business jets. This is more customers. Honda Aero is ready to be the (JAASC) Chairman Satoru Ogawa. essential for our growth as we increase our manu- leader in small jet engine manufacturing,” he said. JAASC Co-chairman Craig Lundgren added: “Today, we are here to help support the facturing and service capabilities,” Honda Aero, Inc. www.gehonda.com NORTH CAROLINA: Japanese community as they nd a home in South Carolina.” President and CEO Atsukuni Waragai said. CENTER OF RESEARCH AND CAR SUPPLIERS As orders grow for the HondaJet, Honda Aero has increased its delivery of engines over the past years. Among North Carolina’s biggest advantages, Charlotte Douglas International Airport of- VIRGINIA: At the same time, the company wants to expand its fers daily one-stop flights to both Tokyo and . Business travel between the state and EAGER FOR JAPANESE PARTNERSHIPS customer base for its products and services. Japan is expected to grow sharply once the airport’s $2.5 billion expansion is completed. “We are consistently pushing the boundaries with Currently, the Charlotte metropolitan area is increasingly becoming a lucrative invest- While Virginia is home to many companies from around the world, the southwest re- our innovative products. With our recent expansion ment location for Japanese. There are 80 such companies based in the area, among which gion of the state wants to form stronger ties especially with Japan, according to Virginia’s are car parts suppliers, like NGK Ceramics USA and Seiren North America. First Regional Industrial Facility Authority, which is promoting its New River Valley “We established our base in North Carolina in 1988 and we are still here today. We have Commerce Park. been happy with our experience, and have become committed in helping the state attract Board Chair Mary Biggs explained: “Relationship-building with Japanese companies CATALER NORTH AMERICA: CLEARING THE AIR more Japanese companies,” said NGK Ceramics President Steve Dailey. takes a lot of time and effort, but it’s very rewarding. It gives us time to understand how Just fresh from celebrating its 30th anniversary in North Carolina in 2018, NGK Ceramics their companies do business, so we are better prepared to provide assistance when they A supplier of automotive giants multiple expansions since its es- will mark another milestone, the centenary of its Japanese parent company, NGK locate here.” such as , GM and Subaru, tablishment in 2002, CNA plays a Insulators Ltd., this year. Outside of business, the educational sector is seeking to deepen ties with the world’s Cataler North America Corp. large part in Lincolnton’s devel- The state is also actively promoting its so-called Research Triangle, an area that con- third-largest economy. (CNA) is one of the leading man- opment. In 2017, CNA received nects three of its major research universities: North Carolina State University, Duke Sweet Briar College (SBC) President Meredith Woo points out her school’s culture ufacturers of automotive exhaust the Industry of the Year Award University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Advanced manufacturing complements Japanese culture very well. catalysts. These state-of-the-art from the Lincoln Economic and research-oriented industries are capitalizing on this resource of knowledge. “We produce very good women engineers, which the Japanese will find interesting. catalysts clean automotive ex- Development Association in rec- Situated alongside the Research Triangle is the Piedmont Triad, which consists of the cit- Apart from that, our campus is not only safe, but also considered one of the five most haust and, as a result, reduce tox- ognition of its corporate social ies of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. Honda Aircraft Co. selected the area for beautiful campuses in this country,” Woo said. ic substances in the air that mil- responsibility activities. its base of operations because of its location and growth prospects. SBC already has a sister relationship with Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, but lions of Americans breathe. “I believe that we have a give- “We identified the East Coast of the United States as the center of the world’s busi- wants to widen its network of institutional partnerships in order to develop more relevant “Our catalysts are able to turn and-take with the local commu- ness jet market. We are able to run our business efficiently from this location. We chose academic programs. harmful substances, such as nity. A big part of CNA’s success is carbon monoxide, into harm- due to the great workforce pres- less ones, like clean water or air. ent in the Lincoln area. We thank Through this purification process, the community for its constant N.A. CATALER FUJIFILM, TEIJIN FIND A HOME CNA contributes a great deal to support in helping this company Cataler North America Corp. THE GROWTH PROSPECTS OF the preservation of the global thrive,” Tamura said. President Nakaba Tamura IN GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA environment,” President Nakaba Producing 10 million catalyst million catalysts annually, the NIDEC ELESYS AMERICAS CORP. Tamura said. units per year, CNA is focused on Cataler group makes a significant Having persuaded two large Japanese multinationals to establish operations in the While it is dedicated to con- improving its products further contribution to clearing the air With a global network of more than community, Greenwood County in South Carolina has strengthened its case as an stant innovation, CNA also puts and ensuring its growth across around the world. 300 companies in 43 countries, Nidec ideal investment location, whether they be from Japan or elsewhere. equal importance on contrib- North America. In producing 20 www.cataler.co.jp/en Group designs and manufactures a Generating over $1.14 billion worth of investment and 1,142 jobs since 2013, uting to the local community. comprehensive range of motors — Greenwood County provides investors with abundant water supply, ample building Currently employing more than from small ones found in computers sites and good infrastructure. 300 people and undergoing to large ones used in manufacturing “Our business-friendly environment and high utility capacities have been in- equipment. strumental in attracting large international companies,” Greenwood Partnership Within the group, Nidec Elesys devel- Alliance CEO Heather Jones said. ops, manufactures and sells automotive Since moving to Greenwood County in 1988, Fujifilm Manufacturing USA has LINCOLN COUNTY NC: PARTNERSHIPS DONE RIGHT safety systems, such as electronic con- spent a total of $2 billion to improve its operations. Moreover, in time to mark its trol units (ECU) for electric power steer- 30th anniversary this year, the Japanese affiliate announced a new $3.9 million ex- Located just 40 minutes from one LEDA gave the Industry of the ing and vehicle stability assist systems, ELESYS NIDEC pansion of its local facility. of the fastest growing cities in the Year Award to Cataler for its con- as well as pioneering technologies, like Nidec Elesys America’s headquarters in Fujifilm’s presence in Greenwood County has spurred the steady growth of the United States, Lincoln County in tributions to the community. Suwanee, Georgia advanced driver assistance systems community, which influenced North Carolina is among those “Cataler really sets the bar for (ADAS) for Honda and other OEMs. ket demands grow stricter, the compa- another Japanese company, low-profile investment areas corporate citizenship. It’s over- Its American subsidiary, Nidec Elesys ny has increased investment in research Teijin , to build a across the United States that are whelming to see how much it Americas Corp., has made huge strides and development. It believes that inno- new $600 million carbon fiber becoming more visible in high- has invested in this commu- in producing for the North American vative products for the electrification of production facility. This was lighting their advantages. nity. Nothing goes beyond what automotive market, winning several vehicles and autonomous vehicles will the largest single investment “Our proximity to Charlotte and Cataler has done for Lincoln awards for excellence in quality and de- result in loyal customers and business in South Carolina in 2016. Charlotte Douglas International County,” he said. livery along the way. expansion. “We are very appreciative Airport is one of our key Lincoln County is able to address Thankful for Cataler’s presence, “Believing that we can contribute to Aiming to be the world’s best in of the positive impact strengths. We also have a low the needs of companies quickly Lincoln County hope to attract society by creating safer, more com- “everything that spins and moves,” Fujifilm and Teijin have on cost of doing business, a skilled and efficiently. It also formed the more Japanese companies to the fortable mobility, we strive to exceed Nidec Group is confident it can design the community. Greenwood workforce and an attractive qual- Industrial Managers Association area. all customer expectations and ensure next-generation drive technologies is happy to be their home, ity of life. Lincoln County is just to lend additional support to ex- “Japanese companies are dedi- that we are providing the best products that will meet the ever-evolving and we are dedicated to as fun as any big city, but with- isting industries and foster good cated to be active members in possible,” Nidec Elesys Americas Corp. demands of the modern world. supporting them as they out the traffic and expenses,” working relationships. their community. We would be President Toshihiko Kono said. www.elesys-na.com continue to grow their U.S. Lincoln Economic Development Among its most significant happy to foster more relation-

As technology in the automobile in- www.nidec-elesys.com operations in the future,” GREENWOOD PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE Association (LEDA) Executive achievements was persuading ships with them,” Brumfield also dustry grows more advanced and mar- www.nidec.com Jones said. Teijin Limited breaks ground on its new facility in June Director Cliff Brumfield said. Cataler North America to set up said.

www.partnershipalliance.com 2018. Because of its small size, operations in the county. In 2017, www.lincolneda.org

PAGE: 8 (Sponsored content) Friday, February 22, 2019 | The Japan Times | 9

BRIDGESTONE FINDS A HOME IN SOUTH CAROLINA TRUE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY IN MICHIKI MORGAN WORLDWIDE: BRIDGING Because of its pro-business policies and growing workforce, many inves- CONYERS ROCKDALE CULTURAL GAPS IN BUSINESS NRV COMMERCE PARK: tors have chosen to set up operations in the Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick Located less than half an hour Conyers-Rockdale Economic In today’s global market, com- and Saluda Region of South Carolina, located only a two-hour drive away BUILT FOR THE FUTURE drive from downtown Atlanta, Development Council (CREDC) panies must be able to re- from major cities, like Charleston, Atlanta and Charlotte. Conyers is a small city that has Executive Director Marty Jones. spond faster and more effec- The region’s largest foreign investors have come from Japan, among benefited from its proximity to CREDC is determined to main- tively to constantly changing them automotive parts makers Aiken Precision Technologies and the state capital, the third-fastest tain good relations with its exist- conditions. And for companies Newman Technologies. But the area’s flagship investment has to be growing metropolitan area in the ing investors to ensure their con- with overseas operations, like Bridgestone Tires, which opened its first production facility in Aiken United States. tinued growth. Japanese firms in the United County in 1997. Conyers’ most popular at- “It’s important for us to make States or American companies In 2011, Bridgestone expanded its facility by an additional 470,000 tractions are the Georgia sure that those companies get in Japan, the need for rapid ac- square feet to meet the rising demand for passenger car and light truck International Horse Park, the help that they need as they tion causes another challenge. radial tires. Then, in September 2011, the Japanese giant announced the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the expand. We want to be good Often, those companies find construction of a new 1.5 million-square-foot plant in Aiken to produce its Veterans War Memorial and Big partners,” Jones stressed. out that their management off-road tires. MMW Haynes Creek Nature Center. But True to its Southern hospitality, strategies and the company Bridgestone’s two projects have a total value of $2.2 billion, the larg- at its heart is Historic Olde Town Conyers welcomes more people culture, while effective back Michiki Morgan Worldwide CEO est capital investment made by a single company in the history of South Conyers, a unique shopping and to visit, whether be it for business home, have not produced the Nozomi Morgan Carolina. Having marked more than two decades of operations in the re- dining center that showcases the or pleasure. same level of success outside those people can’t collabo- NRV COMMERCE PARK gion, the company received a citation from the Economic Development city’s southern heritage. “We’re a diverse, dynamic, and the country. While they con- rate and work effectively with Virginia’s rst commerce park stands on 4 million square meters of Partnership for its contributions to the community. The city’s diverse community distinct community. We wel- tinue to globalize and recog- each other, then your ability to build-ready land situated near vital transport infrastructure. “Every Bridgestone plant manager was awarded Ambassador for and good quality of life have come everyone to see what we nize the critical importance of grow as a company is limited,” Economic Development by the SC State Department for Commerce,” Situated in Virginia’s New River Valley in the western part of the attracted many domestic and have here,” Conyers-Rockdale localizing their organization Morgan said. Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Will Williams state, NRV Commerce Park offers more than 4 million square foreign companies, including Chamber of Commerce and work culture, they lack the Michiki Morgan Worldwide said. meters of build-ready land for companies wanting a strategic LioChem Inc., a subsidiary of Toyo President and CEO Fred expertise internally to achieve has built an impressive portfo- Last year, the two Bridgestone plants were accepted into the South location along the U.S. East Coast. Aside from having industrial- Ink Manufacturing, which marked Boscarino said. successful results. lio of industry–leading clients. Carolina Environmental Excellence Program because of efforts to expand scale infrastructure, the park boasts an on-site 60-megawatt so- its 30th year of operations last www.credcga.org “Many companies underes- “The market is unforgiving their recycling, conservation and lar energy farm for its tenants. year. www.conyersga.com timate the challenge of work- today. When your company community support programs. Owned by Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority, “We are very happy to reach ing across different cultures operates in multiple countries “Our Japanese companies have NRV Commerce Park is easily accessible. It is beside a four-lane this milestone with LioChem. and motivating people. These with a diverse workforce and been a great addition to our local divided highway and only 5.6 km from U.S. Interstate 81. Also, They have been a great sup- things do not organically hap- customers, the ability to work community. We’re very grateful the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone 238 and International Port of Entry port to the local community pen. Leaders need to be stra- seamlessly is no longer an of their presence,” said Williams, 1412 at the adjacent New River Valley Airport serve the park, and we are excited to continue tegic and intentional,” said option. If you don’t respond who is working to attract more which can accommodate buildings up to 204,000 square meters our relationship with them,” said Michiki Morgan Worldwide quickly and efficiently, you’ll Japanese companies to the bur- in floor area. CEO Nozomi Morgan, whose be left behind,” said Morgan, geoning region. “The authority has created a forward-thinking, certified indus- firm works with executives to who regularly travels between “Rest assured that the same trial park to attract the next generation of businesses in a strate- communicate more effectively Japan and the United States level of care and service we have gic location,” Chair Mary Biggs said. with local employees to reduce to provide strategic consulting given to our present Japanese Offering a well-rounded environment for residents and a friction caused by cultural dif- to the heads of multinational tenants will be accorded to future source of high-level talent, the NRV Commerce Park is within a EDPSC ferences. companies. Japanese investors,” he added. 30-minute drive from Virginia Tech, Radford University and New Sage Mill Industrial Park in Aiken County “Companies are people. If www.michikimorgan.com www.edpsc.org River Community College. With a reputation for fostering friendly communities that CREDCGA have earned numerous awards and citations, New River Valley The Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council o ce residents will surely welcome new companies to the region. AFL: THE WORLD’S LEADING CONNECTOR JOINING CULTURES FOR GLOBAL www.nrvcommercepark.com GROWTH AFL began as a joint venture between Tokyo-based Ltd. and the MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE: Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) in 1984 to manufacture fiber- TRANE HVAC US With a history of more than optic ground wires for U.S. utility companies from its base in Duncan, 200 years, U.S.-based Scovill South Carolina. A joint venture between Fasteners, located in Georgia, With the steady growth that came through the diversification of its has earned a reputation as one of products and services over two decades, Fujikura acquired full owner- Ingersoll Rand and Mitsubishi Electric US, Mitsubishi Electric the world’s largest manufacturers ship of the company in 2005. of high-performing apparel and Having just marked its 34th anniversary, AFL boasts a clientele that Trane HVAC US LLC (METUS) was formed in 2018. Less than light industrial fasteners. includes the country’s largest companies in the telecommunication, en- With teams located across ergy and enterprise sectors. Today, North America accounts for 70 per- a year old, the company has claimed a strong position in the the Americas, Asia-Pacific and cent of AFL’s business. Europe, the company is known “AFL has developed a unique structure by combining the best parts heating, ventilation and air-con- ditioning (HVAC) sector in the for customer partnership, service of both Japanese and American business cultures. Now as a member of and expertise from fastener de- the board, I’m honored to be granted another opportunity in contribut- United States and Latin America. “The joint venture was formed sign and delivery to application. ing to Fujikura’s success,” said President and CEO Jody Gallagher, who SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE in order to continue our mo- Acquired by Japanese-owned has been with the company since the start and is the first non-Japanese Morito Co., Ltd. in 2014, Scovill Sweet Briar College President Meredith (third from left) Woo with

mentum in the vibrant US HVAC FASTENERS SCOVILL board member of Fujikura. students market. Our goal is to provide Fasteners is well positioned to AFL Vice Chairman Satoru serve a wider range of customers, Scovill Fasteners CEO Craig Stoudt Ogawa underscored the impor- the best possible personal com- fort for our customers. We want many of them in the fashion ap- “We may be at opposite sides SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE: tance of the company’s activities parel, industrial fabrics and medi- of the world and be of different to Fujikura’s long-term future to improve people’s living and METUS FORMING THE WORLD’S WOMEN LEADERS working conditions through our cal industries. cultures, but both companies and expressed Gallagher’s ability Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC “Together, we are a more di- share very similar beliefs and to make that valuable contribu- products,” METUS President and Set on 3,250 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains CEO Atsuhiro Yabu said. President and CEO Atsuhiro Yabu verse and efficient supplier for goals. The four years that we’ve in Virginia, women’s liberal arts college Sweet Briar College has tion. our customers. We bring value to been a part of the Morito Group “Fujikura’s international pres- METUS expects the market to ciety with technology,” Yabu said. remained unswerving in its mission to prepare women for the increase significantly in the next METUS also believes in both ends of the spectrum in an have been very prosperous workplace and guide them to become responsible global citi- ence is essential to the compa- integrated state, as opposed to because of this. We look forward ny’s growth. Our trust in Jody’s decade because of growing in- being active citizens of the zens. terest in the high-performance local community. It regularly being separate entities,” Scovill to continuing our growth with Throughout its 118-year history, Sweet Briar has provided leadership shows how important Fasteners CEO Craig Stoudt said. them in the many years to come,” these markets are to us,” Ogawa systems needed for zero energy supports various charitable its students with an open learning environment that nurtures

AFL With its strong foothold in the Stoudt said. said. To ensure its long-term suc- infrastructure. causes in the Suwanee region, problem-solving skills. The college is also one of just two wom- AFL CEO Jody Gallagher U.S. market, Scovill Fasteners is scovill.com cess, AFL is committed to provid- “In order to increase the com- one of them being the annual en’s colleges in the country with a fully accredited engineering fort standards of people na- Mitsubishi Electric Classic, a an important component for the program. The 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges ing innovative product solutions Morito Group’s global growth. Its coupled with exceptional cus- tionwide, we need to continue golf tournament on the PGA Rankings named Sweet Briar one of the most innovative schools our positive impact in our own Tour Champions that selects a new business structure, which in the country. tomer service and support. aligns to both American and www.a global.com homes and buildings. Mitsubishi number of beneficiaries of cash “Our engineering program is small, but it is wickedly good. Electric aims to become a global, donations. Japanese cultures, allows the two Its track record in employment is nearly 100 percent,” said SBC green company that enriches so- www.metahvac.com companies to focus on a long- President Meredith Woo, who spent her high school years in term product strategy. Tokyo and served on former President Bill Clinton’s Commission CHARLESTON: PERFECTLY POSITIONED on U.S.-Pacific Trade and Investment Policy. NEWTON COUNTY: GEORGIA’S MAGNET As Japanese manufacturers continue investing in the United FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS GRIFFIN SPALDING ATTRACTS MORE States, specifically in the southeastern states, Sweet Briar wants FOR JAPANESE INVESTMENT to strengthen links with the manufacturing industry and pro- Named the best city in the United States and Canada by “Travel + JAPANESE GIANTS TO INDUSTRIAL PARK vide it with highly qualified graduates. Leisure” magazine, Charleston in South Carolina is a popular destina- With a working population of Automotive Manufacturing Already with long-running ties with schools in Japan, like Since the conception of The Last year, Luckie, along with the tion for foreign investment. With more than 180 multinational firms 2.2 million located just 40 min- marked its 20th year in the area Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, SBC wants to form Lakes at Green Valley, Georgia’s Georgia Department of Economic operating in the region, the community currently ranks ninth among utes outside of metro Atlanta, last year with the announcement new partnerships with more Japanese schools and organiza- first and only “eco” industrial park, Development, paid a courtesy U.S. metro areas for foreign direct investment. Newton County has attracted that it will spend $72 million to tions. It is confident that its affordable tuition and modern liber- a decade ago, Griffin-Spalding call on Rinnai’s senior officers in One of the factors attracting these investors is Charleston’s stra- big name companies, both local expand its Covington plant. al arts curriculum will keep SBC among the top choices of high Development Authority (GSDA) Japan during a trip to attend the tegic location. The metro region is home to both South Carolina’s and foreign, such as Facebook, Takeda, the newest arrival, made school graduates everywhere. has solidified the county’s sta- Southeast U.S.-Japan Conference. busiest airport (Charleston International) and North America’s most General Mills, Becton Dickinson, the move to Newton following “Sweet Briar’s changes to its curriculum and tuition model tus as a preferred destination for He is planning more visits as a ges- productive and efficient seaport. and Michelin. the $59 billion takeover of Shire were strategic. We based them on the college’s existing areas Japanese investors. ture of appreciation to the other “We’re halfway between New York and Miami. One-third of the The largest Japanese inves- Pharmaceuticals, the largest for- of excellence in order to set the institution apart and make it “Prior to this, we were able to at- GSDA’s Japanese partners and U.S. population resides within 500 miles of Charleston. This pro- tors, particularly Bridgestone eign buyout by a Japanese com- relevant for the 21st century. Our institutional innovations are tract a couple of Japanese compa- hopes to fill the rest of the unoccu- vides great access to the entire Southeastern U.S., which is critical Golf, Nisshinbo Automotive pany. intended to prepare women leaders to innovate and provide nies such as Sumika and Hoshizaki pied sites with Japanese investors. for our , automotive and logistics sectors,” said Michael Manufacturing, and Takeda, are With those recent de- their own solutions to global problems,” Woo said. in our other parks. Our relation- “Building the relationships Graney, Charleston Regional Development Alliance vice president predicted to provide a total of velopments, Covington http://sbc.edu of Business Development. 2,000 jobs by the end of 2019. Newton Office of Economic ship with them early on made with our Japanese companies is While South Carolina is becoming an increasingly popular location Established in 1992, Development’s Vice President us realize the value of recruiting very important to us. We want to for Japanese investment, several companies such as Showa Denko Bridgestone Golf was the first David Bernd has promised to Japanese companies, and we have be lifelong partners as they con- Carbon, Sun Chemical, , Shimano, and TBC Corporation have Japanese company to locate lend more support to those in- been targeting them as partners tinue to grow in our community. already well-established roots in Charleston. In fact, Japan is among to Newton County. Ever since it vestors: “Newton County is hon- since then,” said GSDA Executive We have built a community here the top five trading partners of the region, which excels in the aero- moved its operations from Japan ored to have the presence of Director David Luckie. that Japanese can call home,” said space, automotive, information technology and life sciences sectors. to Covington in 2014, the maker such great Japanese companies The 570-acre mixed use devel- Luckie. To further accommodate Japanese investors and executives in the of premium golf balls has be- in our community. We are dedi- opment has attracted the likes of “Of course, this would not be region, Charleston has implemented a Global Fluency Initiative to come a significant contributor to cated to being their partners as Otsuka Chemical, Toppan USA and possible without the support and better serve the growing Japanese community. Bridgestone’s global operations. they continue to grow.” Marukan. Last year, Rinnai opened confidence that existing investors “We launched a specific welcoming guide — Meanwhile, Nisshinbo www.selectnewton.com its first U.S. manufacturing plant have placed in us over the years CharlestonCommunityGuide.com — for our international residents in the park, filling up six of the 11 along with the great assistance so that they have a better understanding of the resources available designated industrial sites. With from the State of Georgia’s to them here in Charleston. We want to connect with our Japanese those latest developments, the Department of Economic community and make them feel at home,” said Graney. investors at The Lakes at Green Development,” he added. www.crda.org/international/jp/ Valley are all Japanese. www.gsda.net/home.html

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