Two France-based businesses of HORIBA Group achieved dramatic growth
Mr. Atsushi Horiba, Chairman, CEO and President of HORIBA, Ltd., was awarded the Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honor) by the French Republic. Mr. Horiba was recognized for his outstanding accomplishments in globally promoting brands of French origin, conducting management that integrates technologies and human resources of France and Japan, and creating stable jobs through reagent production facility expansion in France. On January 26 in Kyoto, the order was conferred upon Mr. Horiba by the French Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Mr. Philippe Faure.
Reason for receiving the Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur
In 1977, HORIBA obtained its first French order for the motor exhaust gas analyzer (MEXA). HORIBA took advantage of that opportunity to start doing business in France, where it continued operating for more than 30 years. We have also expanded business activities in other countries around the globe; for example, we have commenced operation of a reagent plant in Brazil, and have delivered spectrometers to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States. The government of France bestowed its highest decoration on our CEO, Mr. Atsushi Horiba, in recognition of his contributions to promoting global management centered in France, and to improving Japanese-French friendship through the provision of analytical and measurement systems.
Expansion of businesses originating in France
HORIBA Group companies include two French subsidiaries: HORIBA ABX, a venture company that offers hematology analyzers, and HORIBA Jobin Yvon, the world's leading manufacturer of analytical and spectroscopic systems and components. Making use of the Group's network encompassing 22 countries around the world, we have expanded business operations in earnest from France to Europe, the Americas and Asia. In recent years, HORIBA has commenced operation of a new testing reagent plant in Montpellier, France, so as to increase our production capacity. Moreover, we have decided to create a new research and development center on the campus of a polytechnic institute in the vicinity of Paris. The center will develop high-precision, high-performance measurement technologies through strengthened collaboration among industry, academia and government, thereby furthering the progress of science and technology in France.
HORIBA regards France as an important base for exploring new technologies and partnerships. Our company will continue to pursue business operations that can promote academic and industrial development in both France and Japan, by improving the analysis and measurement field.
Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honor)
A French order established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, conferred on individuals and organizations deemed to have made a major contribution to France through their endeavors in military, cultural, and various other areas. This world-renowned order is France's highest recognition of merit and consists of five grades: Grand'croix or Grand Cross (the first grade), Grand Officier or Grand Officer (the second grade), Commandeur or Commander (the third grade), Officier or Officer (the fourth grade), and Chevalier or Knight (the fifth grade). Our CEO Horiba was made a Chevalier of the order.
Comment by Mr. Atsushi Horiba
Kyoto and Paris have enjoyed sister-city relations for more than half a century. Last month, the Consulate-General of France in Kyoto opened as the City's first consulate-general. I was particularly pleased about this, since I myself, as a Kyoto citizen and as a private individual, had long suggested that the Consulate-General be located in Kyoto. I believe that the opening of the Consulate-General will be beneficial in fostering the cultural and artistic spirit shared by France and Kyoto.
At this time, which is significant for the friendship and goodwill between our cities and countries, I am truly honored and delighted to receive the globally prestigious decoration, the Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur, here in Kyoto, as an entrepreneur who has conducted business in partnerships with overseas countries, especially with France. I consider this award to be the start toward more amicable relations between France and Japan. HORIBA, Ltd. will continue its efforts to play active roles as a company in facilitating the further development of both countries, while steadfastly maintaining the relationship of trust that we have established with France during more than three decades.