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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 3042
Mitsubishi Electric to Double Satellite Component Production Capacity
Aims to strengthen company's growing foothold in global satellite market
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TOKYO, August 4, 2016 - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it has started constructing a facility that will double the satellite-component production capacity of its Kamakura Works, Sagami Factory in Sagamihara, Japan. The factory is Mitsubishi Electric's core production and testing site for solar array panels, structural panels and other satellite components. The new facility, which will commence production in October 2017, is expected to help the company continue growing its share of the global satellite market.
Mitsubishi Electric is one of the world's leading manufacturers of satellite components, most notably structures made with advanced composite materials for the global market. The company has a rich history of providing global satellite manufacturers with solar array panels, structural panels and antennas produced at its Kamakura Works. Over the years, Mitsubishi Electric has developed a substantial share of this market.
The new facility will introduce a number of advanced manufacturing machines, such as high-precision machining equipment and automated welding machines, which will help the factory to double its production capacity. Existing machines currently dispersed throughout the factory will be concentrated in the new facility. The realization of seamlessly integrated production processes ─ from component and panel production to final testing ─ and improved productivity through the application of information technology, will further increase production efficiency, shorten production time, reduce costs and elevate product quality.
Going forward, this advanced new facility is expected to strengthen Mitsubishi Electric's flexibility and speed in adapting to global market demands and thereby enhance the company's position in the global market.
The new facility will introduce a number of advanced manufacturing machines, such as high-precision machining equipment and automated welding machines, which will help the factory to double its production capacity. Existing machines currently dispersed throughout the factory will be concentrated in the new facility. The realization of seamlessly integrated production processes ─ from component and panel production to final testing ─ and improved productivity through the application of information technology, will further increase production efficiency, shorten production time, reduce costs and elevate product quality.
Going forward, this advanced new facility is expected to strengthen Mitsubishi Electric's flexibility and speed in adapting to global market demands and thereby enhance the company's position in the global market.
About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's Space Systems Business
Mitsubishi Electric is a leading manufacturer supporting space research and development in Japan. The company has participated in the production of more than 500 domestic and international satellites as either the prime contractor or a major subcontractor. In 2000, it became the first Japanese manufacturer capable of developing, designing, assembling and testing satellites at a single location. The company's Kamakura Works is equipped with one of Japan's largest thermal vacuum testing chambers, an acoustic test chamber and an antenna test range. To date, the works has produced 18 satellites, as well as electronic modules for the Japanese-driven H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), which is used for automated cargo resupply in outer space.
Mitsubishi Electric strengthened its presence in the global satellite market when it was selected to supply the TURKSAT-4A and TURKSAT-4B satellites to Turkey's Turksat A.S. in March 2011. The two satellites incorporate Mitsubishi Electric's DS2000 satellite platform, which facilitates the delivery of highly reliable satellites at reasonable costs. In May 2011, Mitsubishi Electric successfully delivered its ST-2 communications satellite into geostationary orbit for a joint venture between Singapore Telecommunications Limited and Taiwan-based Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited. In 2014, the company was awarded a contract to deliver the Es'hail 2 communications satellite to operator Qatar Satellite Company (Es'hailSat).
Mitsubishi Electric is a leading manufacturer supporting space research and development in Japan. The company has participated in the production of more than 500 domestic and international satellites as either the prime contractor or a major subcontractor. In 2000, it became the first Japanese manufacturer capable of developing, designing, assembling and testing satellites at a single location. The company's Kamakura Works is equipped with one of Japan's largest thermal vacuum testing chambers, an acoustic test chamber and an antenna test range. To date, the works has produced 18 satellites, as well as electronic modules for the Japanese-driven H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV), which is used for automated cargo resupply in outer space.
Mitsubishi Electric strengthened its presence in the global satellite market when it was selected to supply the TURKSAT-4A and TURKSAT-4B satellites to Turkey's Turksat A.S. in March 2011. The two satellites incorporate Mitsubishi Electric's DS2000 satellite platform, which facilitates the delivery of highly reliable satellites at reasonable costs. In May 2011, Mitsubishi Electric successfully delivered its ST-2 communications satellite into geostationary orbit for a joint venture between Singapore Telecommunications Limited and Taiwan-based Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited. In 2014, the company was awarded a contract to deliver the Es'hail 2 communications satellite to operator Qatar Satellite Company (Es'hailSat).
Overview of New Satellite Component Production Facility
| Location | Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Building area | 7,430 m2 (floor area: 9,940 m2) |
| Structure | Two-story reinforced-concrete structure, 11 m high |
| Main products | Satellite components made of composite materials, including solar array panels,structural panels, antennas, etc. |
| Investment | Approximately 3 billion yen |
| Green measures | 56kW solar-powered system, heat pump air-conditioning system, 1,000 LED lights and energy-management system |
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