The 39th ND Marketing Award goes to UNION TOOL CEO

The 39th ND Marketing Award was presented to Takao Katayama, CEO of UNION TOOL. 

The award ceremony was held on January 11 at the Nagoya International Convention Center in Nagoya City during the “2024 FA Industry New Year’s Reception” hosted by News Digest Publishing (ND), the organization behind SEISANZAI Japan. 

Takao Katayama, CEO of UNION TOOL. Born in 1953, graduated from Tokyo University of Science in 1976 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Joined UNION TOOL in 1979, became Managing Director in 1981, Vice President in 1982, President in 1996 and CEO in 2014.

Dr. Shinji Shimizu, the chairperson of the award’s selection committee and Director of the Museum of Industrial Technology at Nippon Institute of Technology, as well as Professor Emeritus of Sophia University, explained the reasons for honoring CEO Katayama. He praised Katayama’s significant contributions to the global electronics industry, particularly through the consistent provision of printed circuit board (PCB) drills. Dr. Shimizu commended Katayama’s adept management practices in an industry notorious for its challenging profitability. 

During the award ceremony, CEO Katayama was presented with a letter of commendation from Hachiro Higuchi, President of ND, and a bronze statue from Mitsuru Kaito, Chairman of ROKU-ROKU SMART TECHNOLOGY, the previous recipient of the award. The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause in recognition of Katayama’s achievements. 

In his commemorative speech, CEO Katayama emphasized the company’s core competencies, highlighting “the development of tools, equipment and coating” as its three pillars. He further highlighted the company’s investment in in-house production of production equipment. 

Key reasons for the award nomination 

Global leadership in PCB drills and ultra-high end mills: UNION TOOL holds the esteemed position of being the world’s leading manufacturer of PCB drills and ultra-high end mills. The company stands out for its exceptional technical capabilities in the field of PCB drills. 

Sound management in a challenging industry: UNION TOOL has demonstrated commendable practices in sound management, particularly in the drill industry, which is known for its perceived difficulty in achieving profitability. In particular, the company maintains a strong equity ratio and operates without debt. 

Commitment to social responsibility: Beyond business success, the company is actively involved in community development and cultural activities. Initiatives include extending academic support to financially challenged students pursuing an education, operating an in-company childcare center, and organizing music concerts. These efforts demonstrate UNION TOOL’s commitment to making a positive contribution to society. 

About UNION TOOL 

Established in 1955, incorporated in 1960. Capitalized at 2,998.5 million yen. Started manufacturing carbide tools for dental use and now holds the world’s leading market share in carbide drills for PCBs. The company employs 873 people on an unconsolidated basis and 1,480 people on a consolidated basis (as of October 2023). 

About the ND Marketing Award 

The ND Marketing Award was established in 1984 by News Digest Publishing. The award recognizes outstanding companies in the production equipment industry, particularly the metalworking machinery industry, and their executives. The award is presented annually to companies that have developed outstanding marketing activities and achieved results, and has been presented to industry leaders in the past. 

Selection Criteria 

Marketing activities in the area of production equipment, with a focus on the factory automation industry, are evaluated on the following four points 

(1) Management philosophy and principles
(2) Business development potential
(3) Soundness of the company
(4) Contribution to Japanese society and industry