The History of The Hitachi High-Tech Group
- Aiming to Be a Global Leader -

- 2001.10Ⅰ. Before Integration
The Start of a New History Leading to the 21st Century

In February 2001 Hitachi, Ltd. announced that its instruments business and semiconductor manufacturing equipment business would be spun off as separate companies, which would then be absorbed by Nissei Sangyo Co., Ltd. At the same time,the Clinical Testing Systems Sales Group of Hitachi Medical Corp. merged with Nissei Sangyo, and on October 1 Hitachi High-Technologies Corp. was born.

2001.10 - 2004.3Ⅱ. Laying the Groundwork for Integration
Consolidation of "Manufacturing, Sales, and Services" as the Key to Integration

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation was established on October 1, 2001. That day a ceremony to celebrate the launch of the company was held at the new Head Office (in Nishishimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo) with Chairman Yoshiro Kuwata, President Noriaki Higuchi, and other top executives in attendance. Grand kickoff events for the new company were also held at the Naka Division and Kasado Division.

2004.04 - 2008.03Ⅲ. Operational Reform and Rapid Growth
Updated Top Profit Six Years Running after Integration of Hitachi High-Technologies

The world economic situation was marked by a strong U.S. economy and remarkable progress in emerging nations such as China. The Japanese economy was also strong, pushed forward by exports to Asia and other factors. Then in 2007 the U.S. economy entered a slowdown, the yen gained strength against the dollar, and crude oil prices rose, creating fears that the business climate would worsen. As Hitachi High-Technologies entered the third year since its establishment an Operational Reform Project was launched, based on the Corporate Vision, aiming to achieve further rapid growth.

2008.4 - 2010.3Ⅳ. Responding to a Rapidly Changing Market
Facing the Global Financial Crisis Following the Collapse of Lehman Brothers

In September 2008 the subprime mortgage crisis in the United States led to the collapse of the investment bank Lehman Brothers, triggering a global financial crisis and a worldwide business slump. The Japanese economy suffered from plunging stock prices and a rise in the value of the yen versus the weakened dollar. Actual GDP posted negative growth for two years running. The Hitachi High-Technologies Group experienced shrinking earnings and profits in fiscal 2008 and in fiscal 2009 its first ever financial deficit. In hopes of turning things around,the company embarked on a course of business restructuring and measures to promote growth.

2010.4 - 2014.3Ⅴ. Toward a New Stage of Growth
Accelerating the Growth Strategy

Hitachi High-Technologies achieved a turnaround in fiscal 2010 through business restructuring and other measures. In October 2011 the Long-Term Management Strategy (CS11) and Medium-Term Management Strategy 2013 were announced, marking the 10th anniversary of the company's establishment. Damage sustained by major facilities and group companies in the Great East Japan Earthquake in March of that year, combined with the sluggish economy, resulted in the second consecutive year of reduced revenue and profits. Hitachi High-Technologies undertook further management reform measures to enhance its business capabilities, getting back on the path toward growth and in fiscal 2013 recording its first increase in revenue and profits in three years.

2014.4 -Ⅵ. Toward a New Stage of Growth
Rapid New Progress and the Path to Growth

The second Abe cabinet was formed in December 2012, stock prices rose and the yen weakened under the policies known as "Abenomics," and the business climate began to show signs of recovery. However, concerns about the world economy spread due to the financial crisis in Europe, stagnation of the Chinese economy, and economic instability in oil-producing nations faced with falling crude oil prices. The Japanese economy also began to experience instability following the raising of the consumption tax to 8% in April 2014. Hitachi High-Technologies carried out structural reforms of its analysis equipment business and semiconductor manufacturing equipment business, among others, further strengthened its global expansion efforts, and in fiscal 2014 recorded the largest net profit since its establishment. The 15th anniversary of the company's founding, which would mark the start of a new stage of rapid progress, was also approaching.

Ⅶ. Building a Strong Enterprise
that Is Global and Unique