Shibaura Machine Company, America Welcomes Yoshiaki Kai as the New President

Elk Grove Village, IL – October 1, 2025 – Shibaura Machine Company, America (SMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Yoshiaki Kai as its new President. Mr. Kai officially assumed leadership of SMA following his appointment by the Board of Directors of Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. (SMJ, Japan) on June 26, 2025 and the completion of his U.S. visa process.

In addition to his new role, he will continue to serve as a Director of Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd., further strengthening the connection between SMA and the company’s global headquarters.

A Leader with Deep Technical and Strategic Expertise

With nearly three decades of experience, Mr. Kai brings a unique blend of technical depth and executive leadership to his new position. He began his career in 1997 in Research and Development at Toshiba Machine (now Shibaura Machine), specializing in machine-tool dynamics and vibration diagnostics. Supported by the company, he earned a Ph.D. in Engineering from Kyoto University, focusing on ultra-precision machining technologies.

Over the years, Mr. Kai advanced through key leadership positions in corporate planning and administration, most recently serving as Director and Managing Executive Officer, Corporate Strategic Planning and Administration Division at Shibaura Machine’s global headquarters in Japan.

Strengthening North American Growth

Mr. Kai’s appointment underscores the strategic importance of the North American market to Shibaura Machine’s global growth plans. Notably, this marks the first time a sitting board member from Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd. has been appointed as president of an overseas subsidiary.

“It is an honor to serve as President of Shibaura Machine Company, America,” said Mr. Kai. “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.”

Key Priorities for the Future

In his new role, Mr. Kai will focus on three strategic priorities:

Strengthening information sharing – promoting transparent and timely communication across the organization.
Deepening collaboration – aligning SMA more closely with Shibaura Machine headquarters and its global network.
Investing in people and technology – ensuring SMA remains at the forefront of machining innovation through training, support, and strategic capital investment.

Mr. Kai succeeds Mr. Hiroshi “Hank” Azuma, who will continue to support the company as Executive Advisor.