Toshiba 1996 Annual Report Download - page 23

21.
prowess and overseas experience were vital in enabling Toshiba
to capture a large contract in China in May 1995 for three tur-
bine-generator islands at a huge coal-fired thermal power
plant. Toshiba will supply turbines, generators and related
equipment.
Overseas, Toshiba in September 1995 established a joint
venture in Changzhou, China for the production, sale and
maintenance of ultra-high-voltage transformers. Operations at
this company will begin in spring 1997.
Industrial Electrical Apparatus and Machinery
Sales of motors and other industrial electrical apparatus and
machinery increased slightly, although the anticipated upturn
in Japan’s economy failed to materialize. To stimulate
demand, Toshiba broadened its line of products with added
functions. Other objectives in this sector, as well as for trans-
portation equipment, elevators and escalators, were to develop more products to global
standards, establish more overseas bases, expand strategic alliances and improve business
processes. Recent accomplishments include an ultra-compact industrial inverter that is 50
to 80 percent smaller than comparable models. It features improved ease of operation and
an exclusively designed module.
Transportation Equipment, Elevators and Escalators
Restrained capital spending among Japanese railway companies in fiscal 1995 resulted in
flat sales for transportation equipment. Orders from railways continue to focus on allevi-
ating crowding on commuter trains and on raising comfort on all types of trains. During the year, Toshiba introduced
designs and technologies to help customers achieve these goals while reducing costs.
Shinkansen (bullet train) systems have long been a Toshiba strength. Two developments during the year evinced the
company’s mastery among leading suppliers of these electrical systems in Japan. Toshiba delivered a Series 300X proto-
type train to Central Japan Railway Company to further raise this carrier’s transport speeds. The company also supplied
major electrical equipment for the new Series 500 Shinkansen cars of West Japan Railway Company.
Joint venture Changzhou
Toshiba Transformer Co., Ltd.
will start manufacturing and
marketing ultra-high-voltage
transformers for the huge
Chinese market in spring 1997.
Toshiba’s leading-edge technology is contributing to the
development of the Series 500 Shinkansen high-speed
trains for West Japan Railway.
Overseas, the largest contributor to sales was equipment for
Cairo Metro Line No. 2, being constructed by Egypt’s National
Authority for Tunnels. In Asia outside Japan, Toshiba is con-
ducting aggressive sales activities to benefit from the region’s
burgeoning demand for railway transportation equipment.
Sluggish activity in Japan’s office building market limited
orders for elevators and escalators. However, ultra-high and
multi-level underground structures point to substantial future
demand for these products. To help develop the next generation
of elevator technology, Toshiba is building a 150-meter research
tower at the Fuchu plant outside Tokyo that will be completed in
1997. Overseas sales continued to climb, supported by rising
demand in Southeast Asia and China. To keep capacity in step with
demand, Toshiba established Shenyang Toshiba Elevator Co., Ltd.
in July 1995 and Shanghai GFC Toshiba Elevator Co., Ltd. the
following November. Both joint ventures will manufacture,
market, install and service elevators.
Toshiba elevators and escalators, like these in the Hotel
Intercontinental Tokyo Bay, offer a smooth, reliable ride.