Sumitomo Metals is not only working to increase the number of customers and volume of sales, we are also constructing long-term mutual relationships of trust and appreciation with customers who recognize the value of Sumitomo Metals technologies, quality, and services as we aim to become a key supplier that is different from our competitors.
We are addressing quality as one of our most important issues to achieve our goal.
First, we believe that quality assurance is not something that is achieved only by inspections and testing after a product is manufactured. Instead, in order to prevent quality problems before they occur, we carry out quality evaluations, identify potential problems, and work for improvements at every stage from product design even before the product is produced to the launch of mass production. In particular during the development of new products, we conduct studies that span a broad range and are dedicated to creating products that can contribute to society.
We also go beyond simply delivering products; we help customers resolve problems and are working to construct long-term relationships of mutual trust. For example in our automobile products business, we help to resolve problems occurring in all processes, from steel and structure development during the automobile design phase (Before Service), to resolving steel-related problems during the manufacture and machining phases after our products are delivered (After Service). As a result of these efforts, our capability of providing solutions to our customers is recognized by our customers as being in the world's top class.
We have established Sumitomo Metal Industries’ Customer Service in Application Technology (SMICAT) to provide solutions for customer needs by leveraging the integrated technological abilities of the Group – including not only Sumitomo Metals itself, but also affiliated companies that have knowledge in non-steel areas. Elemental technologies accumulated within the Sumitomo Metals Group have been compiled in a database enabling us to respond to the needs of our customers in a comprehensive manner.
