After restructuring to adapt to the strong yen, Sharp's earnings again began to grow steadily. In 1990, the goal of becoming a trillion-yen company was fulfilled.
World's Thinnest Home Facsimile
Sharp's stylish UX-1, the world's thinnest facsimile, expanded the home product market. Other notable products included a convection microwave oven incorporating fuzzy logic control.
Sharp Wins the Queen's Award
In 1990, SUKM was presented with the UK's Queen's Award for export performance and technological achievement. For a foreign company to receive such an award just five years after its establishment was a rare accomplishment. There could be no better testimony to SUKM's export performance, contribution to the local economy and management style.
First Overseas Basic Research Laboratory
Also in 1990, Sharp established Sharp Laboratories of Europe, Ltd. (SLE), its first overseas basic research laboratory, in Oxford, UK. Research is carried out in areas such as optoelectronics and artificial intelligence, as well as the development of products geared towards local needs.
Personnel System that Respects the Individual
Sharp declared the 90s to be "the age of the employee" and has introduced personnel and labor programs to encourage individuality and creativity. These include a new personnel evaluation system, in-house job placement system, and a program to reemploy women seeking to return to the work force. A variety of new training programs were also added, and single rather than double rooms were provided in company dormitories.
Creating an Environment that Fosters Ambition
The company's credit union was revamped. A "home town" financing system was introduced, as was a pension system (Gold Life Plan) which pays retired employees 500,000 yen per month. A maternity leave system was also instituted. These measures were designed to boost morale and motivate employees to do their very best.