New Development Begins with Construction of Hiroshima Plant
In 1965, the company began initial planning to expand production facilities in anticipation of growing demand for audio products. Japan's transportation system had become fast and reliable, and the company decided it was now feasible to site these facilities in more remote areas. In 1967, a plant specializing in radio and transceiver production was constructed in Hiroshima. The location was selected because of its rich natural environment and the availability of qualified labor in the region.
Gala Events in Celebration of the 55th Anniversary
In celebration of Sharp Corporation's 55th anniversary, various large-scale gala events were held throughout the year, including the " Sharp Dream Festival," a public event staged in major cities nationwide. Innovative products based on the company's advanced technology and futuristic model homes attracted a great deal of public attention.
Tochigi Plant
In 1968, the company completed a large specialized plant to manufacture color TVs in Tochigi -- the company's first production facility in the Kanto area.
Sales Subsidiary in Europe
The company's first European subsidiary -- Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH (SEEG) -- was established in Hamburg, former West Germany, in order to promote exports to Europe.
The First Basic Management Policy Presentation
In 1968, a New Year's Basic Management Policy Presentation was held for the first time. Designed to give top management the opportunity to make employees aware of fiscal policy for the year to come, this became an annual New Year's event unique to the company.
Sales Subsidiary in the UK
Continuing its commitment to the expansion of sales, the company established Sharp Electronics (U.K.) Ltd. (SUK) in Manchester, UK. This was the company's third overseas sales subsidiary following SEC in the US and SEEG in former West Germany. In response to a growing domestic market for electronic calculators, nine sales subsidiaries were also established in Japan, including the Tokyo Sharp Office Equipment Sales Co. Ltd.
EDR Stocks Issued
To raise new funds, the company issued 10 million shares of stock of EDR (European depository receipts) in Europe for the first time and listed them on the Luxembourg exchange. Sharp was the first Japanese company to issue such a large number of EDR shares in Europe, affirming its status as an international enterprise. The funds generated from this sale were used for constructing the Advanced Development and Planning Center in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture.
MI Campaign Launched
After a survey which found insufficient public recognition of Sharp Corporation, the company launched an "MI Campaign" to promote public awareness. "M" signified staff morale and " I " denoted the company image. The campaign was designed to enhance Sharp's image as a leading enterprise built upon a foundation of "Sincerity and Creativity."
Extensive image promotion activities were carried out. These included complete commitment towards the improvement of employee morale, mass advertising campaigns, new corporate colors, restyling of the corporate uniform, and the establishment of a new corporate emblem. The company was also renamed the following year to Sharp Corporation. These measures attracted public and industrial attention, and the MI Campaign was cited as a textbook example of corporate innovation. It also laid the groundwork for a subsequent boom in CI (corporate identity) activities.