Pentax 2004 Annual Report Download - page 18

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C
OATING
TECHNOLOGIES
16
Hoya manufactures and sells eyeglasses throughout the world, with production, processing, and technical develop-
ment that is meticulously tailored to the needs of varied customers in particular regions and markets. Beyond this, however,
Hoya pursues a wide range of initiatives, conducting research and analysis of each region to ensure proper assessment of
each market, working to maintain cost competitiveness, and uncovering latent demand.
The characteristics of each of Hoya’s main markets (Japan, Europe, the United States and Asia), and measures being
pursued are as follows:
The Japan market is characterized by strong demand for high-value-added products such as bi-aspheric single vision
lenses that reduce distortion around the lens edges, double surface progressive lenses for the seniors market that correct
both near- and far-sightedness, and lenses with special scratch-resistant coatings. During fiscal 2004, the economy began
to improve overall, and demand returned for eyeglass lenses, stymieing the fall in prices. Amid this market trend, Hoya
continued to develop and sell high-value-added products, particularly progressive lenses.
In Europe, people are conscious of eyeglasses, and high-value-added products such as multifocal lenses for seniors
have been well received. Notable events during the fiscal year under review included a surge in demand in Germany prior to
a change in insurance policy to exclude the purchase of eyeglasses, as well as the transfer and expansion of a laboratory
(processing facility) in Spain, one of Hoya’s principal markets, that strengthened the Company’s processing ability. As a
result, the European market provided the highest performance in the Vision Care division. Looking ahead, Hoya will seek to
enhance its brand image and expand its share through strengthened sales of high-value-added products to fill strong
demand for special orders.
Hoya’s eyeglass lenses are highly regarded in terms of development, design and quality.
Revolutionary coating technologies in particular—the processing of the surface of the
lenses—have established Hoya’s reputation. It is the coating that results in variety of
value-added lenses. SFT coating, which Hoya recently developed and launched, not only
resists smudging, but also is smoother than ever before possible, creating a special kind of
scratch-resistant lens. Combining these coatings produces a highly functional, high-
value-added lens.
HOYA 2004-e 入稿用0705 04.7.22 8:00 PM ページ 17