Dan:  So Harry you have been running Taiyo America for over a year now, how has this experience been for you?

Harry:  Frankly, it was a challenging year for me keeping up with what was going on in the market while also learning operations at Taiyo America. 

As you know, a big earthquake hit eastern Japan on March 11, 2011.   A Japanese-made raw material supply issue occurred as a result of the earthquake. However, we quickly resolved this issue thanks to assistance from the other Taiyo Holdings Group companies.  Excluding Japan, Taiyo Holdings has three manufacturing facilities in Asia.  Immediately after the earthquake, everyone from the Taiyo group helped each other.

Dan:  What would you say has been your biggest surprise in the past year?

Harry:  The unexpected earthquake and tsunami, and the people in Fukushima and surrounding areas suffering from the nuclear disaster since then. 

Also, the realization that Japan plays a very key role in the global supply chain for electronics, automobile and other industries.

Dan:  How do you like working and living in the States?

Harry:  Working with the staff at Taiyo America is very enjoyable.  Our staff is very dedicated and customer-focused. 

The United States is a huge country, therefore traveling for business from coast to coast takes much longer than traveling from Tokyo/Narita to Hong Kong; planning ahead is important.

Living in the Reno / Carson City area is relatively comfortable although weather can be harsh. It's dry almost year-around, somewhat windy and very cold in the winter.  

It is amazing to see the choices in this country, for example, the large variety of products available in the super markets and perhaps, too many channels on cable television.   

Dan:  How was business this year?

Harry:  Sales in the American market were not too bad. However, sales in Europe were slow; I believe that the "debt crisis" in Europe affected the PCB business in general. 

Dan:  How do you see things going for Taiyo in the New Year?

Harry:  Well, it is very difficult for anyone to predict because there are many uncertain factors in the world right now. The debt situation in Europe, fiscal deficit issues, a possible defense budget cut in the U.S., the economic situation in China and the recovery progress of the flooding in Thailand are all factors, but I am confident that Taiyo will keep our current customers satisfied and will obtain significant new business in Europe.

Dan:  What would you say is the single most important goal you have for the New Year?

Harry:  The single most important goal for Taiyo America is to continue to increase our sales in Europe; growth opportunities exist, and in November we shifted our Sales Manager in charge of the Eastern U.S. to Europe.  Also, Umicore, our main distributor there, strengthened their sales network in Germany.

If you would like to learn more about Taiyo and its' products and services, contact John Fix, Taiyo's Manager & Director of Sales and Marketing, by e-mail at JohnF@taiyo-america.com, or at 775.885.9959, ext. 118.