Sumitomo Heavy Industries has always strived for technological innovation and applies cutting-edge technologies wherever possible. The company operates in a broad range of business areas ranging from manufacturing equipment and infrastructure to fields making use of the latest advanced technology. Most recently, the company’s research and development efforts have focused on fine, mechatronics, and systems technologies and by doing so it has been able to gain a foothold in the areas of precision control devices and key components. For example, the company has succeeded in developing equipment for the manufacturing of LCDs and semiconductors as well as digital home appliances. This new area of business is positioned to become the third core competency for the company after power transmission equipment and plastics machinery.