SATO Group establishing SATO Global Solutions and SATO International

SATO, a global leader in barcode printing, labelling, and EPC/RFID solutions, has announced plans to accelerate its global growth strategy through the establishment of two new group companies: SATO Global Solutions and SATO International.

Both companies will officially launch in January 2015, with SATO Global Solutions headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and SATO International in Tokyo, Japan.

As part of SATO’s long-term strategy, the creation of the new entities follows the success of the company’s medium-term management plan executed over the course of FY2012 to FY2014, which resulted in the following achievements for FY2013:

● Overseas Sales: JPY 28.3 billion,* a 153% increase from 2011
● Overseas Sales Ratio: 29.3%, a 23% increase from 2011
● Overseas Operating Income: JPY 1.8 billion,* a 461% increase from 2011
● Overseas Operating Income Ratio: 6.4%, a 2.1% increase from 2011
*highest figures ever recorded

Mike Beedles has been appointed to lead SATO Global Solutions. Beedles has a strong entrepreneurial background and deep knowledge of supply chain management, with more than twenty years of consulting, sales and management experience. Since 2007 he has led a specialized team within SATO America focused on system integration, developing and deploying warehouse management systems, traceability systems and RFID solutions.

To ensure the rapid execution of the Group’s strategy, Kaz Matsuyama, President and CEO of SATO Holdings, will also serve as the head of SATO International, allowing for central management of global business operations and close cooperation between the Japan HQ and overseas group companies.

About SATO Global Solutions, LLC
With software development as a core competence, SATO Global Solutions will deliver a unique brand of Auto-Identification solution integration, covering hardware and consumables development, manufacturing and maintenance.

The company will bring together SATO’s engineered solutions from around the world and provide world class service to customers globally. It will focus on building strategic alliances, and provide one-stop solutions to customers in a range of industries including manufacturing, retail, logistics and healthcare.

About SATO International
SATO International will integrate and oversee all aspects of overseas business activities including boosting earnings potential, improving group synergy, crafting and executing global strategy, supporting sales activities and customer management.

Through the introduction of this new management structure, SATO International will seek to expand and grow SATO’s overseas business, developing a core revenue source for the Group.