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| New Year's Message |
| 09/01/2008 |
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Speech given by Haruyuki Niimi, Chairman of Showa Shell Sekiyu, to the staff on 7th January 2008. |
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Happy New Year. I am glad to begin another year with each and every one of you. Since we had a longer holiday than usual, I hope you had enough time to relax and feel refreshed to start working today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your contributions to our performance last year. I would also like to express my gratitude and respect for those of you who continued to work during the holiday.
Looking back, 2007 experienced a number of tough moments including the unexpected price surge of crude oil. One that I was particularly glad to see was that our internal staff, and staff of group companies, dealers and all other associated companies had continued to work together to improve the performance of Showa Shell Sekiyu Group despite the tough business environment. Although our financial performance is likely to be not as good as we hoped it to be, I felt confident seeing your effort.
In my speech at the same time last year, I cited three keywords related to HSSE to explain our aspirations for 2007: "fundament", "education" and "co-operation". We saw some improvements in safe operations and our product quality, and I want us to maintain our focus on these issues. Another point that I would like to make this year is that result is obviously important in our businesses, but process to get there is even more important. I ask you to try and see the importance of process in every business you encounter.
The business environment this year may turn out to be tougher than we had ever experienced before. 2008 marks the first year of the commitment period under Kyoto Protocol, and is also the year for Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit in Japan. If these issues urge the government of Japan to make new steps towards preventing global warming, industrial sectors will be asked to make more commitments. Furthermore, birth rate in Japan will continue to decline, and the global economy may face tough times. Showa Shell Sekiyu had experienced and got over hard times over the last ten years, but this year may be the most difficult one not only to us but to the whole country or the whole world.
Ten years ago, when our business situation tightened up, I asked our staff to focus on what I called the "three S's". The first "S" is for "small company mind", so we do not become bureaucrats. The second "S" for "speed" and the last one for "simple", meaning that we must face many difficult problems with speed, and to do business more efficiently we need to keep our work simple. This year I want us to focus on these "three S's" again . All staff of Showa Shell Sekiyu Group must recognize and share the common goal of "continuous growth of the company". For this, we must make our workplace rewarding and pleasant. I want you to remind yourselves of the three S's in your pursuit to the goal.
The highlights of 2007 included the commencement of construction of Ogishima Power Station, a LNG thermal power generation, becoming a member trader of JEPX (Japan Electric Power Exchange), and in our solar power business we have decided to construct the second CIS photovoltaic module factory. We have also expanded what we call "home solution business". These businesses are small in fragments but are important steps for our growth. Our steady performance for oil product sales reflects the strength of our teamwork despite the bitter business situation.
With teamwork, and only with teamwork of "people and organization" is it possible to conquer hard times. We shall closely work together to tackle new challenges with in mind the "three S's". Make sure you look after your health as your priority, and make this year the first step towards delivery and success. I wish you and your family another happy and healthy year.
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