Hirata Corporation announced that they have recently been awarded a large-scale purchase order from a valuable customer in North America for automotive internal combustion engine (ICE) production equipment totaling approximately JPY 13 billion as detailed below: Background of orders received: Hirata is expanding its business worldwide to manufacture and sell a wide variety of production equipment for various industrial fields such as automobile, semiconductor, and home appliances. Specifically in the automotive field, Hirata has an established track record in providing assembly and test equipment for engine and transmission assembly lines for ICE passenger vehicles and light duty trucks. The recent receipt of orders is a reflection of excellent track record in this area.

In a related market, a full-scale operation was launched for Electric Vehicle (EV) related production equipment in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. Since the second half of last year, the growth of EV sales in the North American market has been slowing somewhat, however they are steadily accumulating design and manufacturing expertise in this market. They will continue to address the needs of customers around the world by utilizing experience and production capacity to meet both ICE and EV market demand.

Outline of the order: Order amount: Approximately JPY 13 billion (including the portion to be handled by North American operations.), Details of the order: Internal combustion engine assembly facility for a global manufacturer, End User: Based on confidentiality obligations, the customer name cannot be disclosed at this time. There is no capital or personal relationship between company and the customer, therefore the transaction does not fall under the category of a related party transaction. Main Production Location(s): Kumamoto East Plant (Kumamoto), Shichijo Plant (Kikuchi, Kumamoto).

Impact to Business Performance: Revenue from the above orders will be recorded sequentially as construction progresses. The business performance from this project is expected to contribute in the next fiscal year and beyond.