Misumi Group, Inc. (TSE:9962) manufactures machinery parts for industrial use. Management’s focus is to improve delivery times and expand its global footprint. It has done this through the introduction of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, as well as through automation in its factories. For example, at the start of 2014, it took Misumi 13 days to process a large order in its China plant. Today, it can process the same order in five days. The company has strengthened the supply chain between Japan, China and Vietnam and is building efficiency that will be difficult for rivals to match. This has enabled the introduction of an online ordering site, which is rapidly gaining traction and expanding the customer base.
From Wasatch International Growth (Trades, Portfolio) Fund’s Q1 2015 Commentary.
