Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) recently held its entrance ceremony for the fiscal year 2026, welcoming over 1,100 new employees at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo. In a novel approach, the event also included online participation from some employees' families. President and CEO Eisaku Ito addressed the new hires, emphasizing the importance of diverse values and experiences in fostering innovation within the company.
During his speech, Ito highlighted the increasing importance of stable energy supply, strategic supply chains, and heightened security awareness. He noted the challenges posed by labor shortages in developed countries and aging urban infrastructure, alongside the transformative impact of advances in AI technology. In response to these challenges, Ito stressed the need to cherish the company's fundamentals, explaining the origins and corporate principles of MHI, including the focus on putting customers first and contributing to social progress.
MHI's mission, as outlined by Ito, is to leverage accumulated technologies and cutting-edge knowledge to address evolving social challenges and enhance quality of life. The company offers a diverse array of products and services underpinned by a robust foundation of technologies, expertise, and IT systems. With over 700 technologies in its portfolio, MHI sees significant growth potential through its “Innovative Total Optimization (ITO)” initiative.
The ITO strategy is built on two core concepts: “Group-Wide Optimization” and “Scope Expansion.” Group-Wide Optimization aims to streamline the value chain from sales to manufacturing, enhancing productivity and profitability through strengthened business collaboration and shared lessons. Scope Expansion focuses on identifying latent needs and creating new value by connecting different fields, leveraging partnerships and IT to reach new customers and regions.
This fiscal year marks the conclusion of MHI's “2024 Business Plan,” with the company aiming to achieve a “virtuous cycle of high profitability and growth investment” through the advancement of ITO. Ito encouraged new employees to embrace challenges early in their careers, sharing his personal journey from a student researching gas turbines to an engineer entrusted with developing a turbine for a new jet engine concept.
Highlighting the company's deep societal connections, Ito urged employees to identify social issues they are passionate about and align them with organizational goals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining mental and physical health, focusing on small tasks, and preparing for significant responsibilities.
As MHI continues to tackle global-scale projects, Ito called on employees to maximize the company's potential and contribute to social progress. He encouraged them to set personal goals, recognize the societal benefits of their work, and pursue opportunities for growth and innovation.
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