Yoshiaki Kai named president of Shibaura Machine America 

Shibaura Machine Co. America (SMA) has named Yoshiaki Kai as its new president. He will continue to serve as a director of parent company Shibaura Machine Co. Ltd. 

Kai began his career in 1997 in research and development at Toshiba Machine (now Shibaura Machine), specializing in machine-tool dynamics and vibration diagnostics. He has held leadership positions in corporate planning and administration, most recently serving as director and managing executive officer of the corporate strategic planning and administration division at Shibaura Machine’s global headquarters in Tokyo. 

The company said in a statement that the move underscores the strategic importance of the North American market to Shibaura Machine’s global growth plans, and that this is the first time a sitting board member from the parent company has been appointed president of an overseas subsidiary. 

“It is an honor to serve as president of Shibaura Machine Co. America,” Kai said. “The U.S. market plays a vital role in our global strategy, and I am committed to strengthening collaboration between headquarters and our American team while empowering local decision-making to best serve our customers.” 

Kai succeeds Hiroshi “Hank” Azuma, who remains with the company as executive advisor. 

Shibaura Machine America is based in Elk Grove Village, Ill., and manufactures injection molding, die casting, CNC machining and automation equipment.