NGK has formulated a new medium-term management plan "2002 Three-Year Management Plan" which replaces "EXCEL-01" (fiscal year 1997 to 2001). With the same basic policies stipulated in "EXCEL-01", "strategic growth," "competitive performance" and "corporate citizenship," NGK will focus on business fields of energy, ecology and electronics, aiming to become a company of excellence of the world based on its outstanding ceramic technology.
To respond to a rapid change in business climate, an effective period of this plan is set at 3 years and the company will attach great importance to the action plans to achieve its goal.
To make sure to achieve the company's target, 4 new action guidelines ("Speedy," "Timely," "Lean" & "Green") have been set and the medium-term plans will be reviewed and updated yearly.
Review all business processes and adopt new information technology and management techniques, expediting decision-making at the management level of NGK and its group located worldwide.
In addition, the company aims to succeed in global competition by drastically shortening production lead time and product development time with an introduction of Supply Chain Management (SCM) and large allocations of the company's resources.
Positioning ceramic technology as a key, about 6% of consolidated net sales are allocated into research and development (R&D) of "Triple E" business fields. NGK will develop new products in a timely manner aiming at its strategic growth.
With a development of many new products including diesel particulate filters (DPF) for automotive exhaust gas purification and thin wall HONEYCERAM® whose demand is likely to grow in the near future, NGK strives to achieve 45 billion yen or above in total sales of new products in fiscal year 2004.
The following are the main new products expected to expand their sales during the effective period of this medium-term plan.
Streamline the company's assets by introducing SCM program and integrating facilities. NGK will efficiently exploit its financial and human resources by adopting Cash Management System (CMS) in a wider range, reviewing strategy of less profitable business, implementing outsourcing and integrating business within NGK group.
As an objective of efficient management, NGK aims to accomplish 10% ROE.
NGK revised its personnel system to focus more on performance of each individual employee in an attempt to enhance competitiveness of its human resources.
As a company engaged in "ecology" business, NGK strives to reduce CO2 emission from its business activities, to promote "reuse/recycle-conscious design and manufacturing" and to use all resources cyclically with the aim of achieving "Zero Emissions." In addition, to reduce the impact on the environment, the company's procurement and logistic sectors will promote a clean energy program through purchasing renewable energy as well as promote green purchasing and returnable packaging materials. NGK will continue to pay its attention to develop high-efficient, energy-saving and long-life environmental-friendly products utilizing features of ceramics, such as exhaust gas purification system and waste treatment equipment.
