With almost eight years of Tennessee living under his belt, Michitaka “Mitch” Suzuki will soon be returning home to Japan. The immediate past-president and CEO of Shiroki North America, Inc. bid his formal good-byes last Tuesday during a luncheon held at LakeSide Resort. Akihiko Yatsushiro was introduced as his successor and the new president and CEO of the local company.
After a sincere and gracious welcome to all in attendance, Suzuki offered his farewell to the crowd.
“This is a happy day but a sad day as well,” said Suzuki. “Seven and one-half years is a very long time,” he continued.
“When I came here, my elder son was a college student. He is now out of college, married and he and his wife are expecting a baby early next year. I will be a granddad,” he said with a big grin.
“My younger son was in high school. He has now graduated from college, got a job and has recently transferred to Singapore.
“My daughter was in middle school. She is now a junior in college and will soon start looking for a job.
“My family situation has totally changed in my absence. Hopefully my wife hasn’t changed,” he kidded. “I will find out shortly.”
Though looking forward to returning home, Suzuki showed pride in his time spent here and the facilities accomplishments during those years.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs through the years,” he said. “But on the bright side we saw the start-up of the GT, GA expansion. We started new business with Nissan. The location celebrated its 20-year anniversary, and we gained new business from GM. Those are all good memories,” he commented with a smile.
“On the down-side, we saw a sharp and significant steel price increase. We went through a great recession, a very sad experience. We saw massive Toyota recalls, and the Japan earthquake and tsunami contributed to a tremendous sales volume reduction.”
The glaze of concern on Sukizi’s face then turned to a smile as he said, “But the future looks bright.”
He continued his speech covering three essential key points including seeking growth as part of the global Shiroki group, gaining new business and expanding the customer base.
“We need to be more localized as an American company with mass production,” he stated. “Especially with doors, in order to make the company financially stronger.
“We need to continue our close ties with the local community. Our people are a great asset and foundation for our company. It’s important to continue to have good communication and interaction with our local community. That is essential for the company’s continued success,” he said looking around the room.
“To achieve these goals we need everyone’s understanding and support of Akihiko, my successor. It is essential.”
With a mixed emotional look on his face, Suzuki ended his talk offering a final thank you.
“Thank you for all of your help, efforts, patience and perseverance over the past seven and one-half years,” he said. “I ask again that everyone provide as much support as possible to Akihiko and make the company better and stronger.”
The room became filled with applause and everyone rose to their feet as Suzuki offered a final wave of farewell.
Some 50 guests were in attendance at the Succession Luncheon, including Shiroki Japan President Takuo Matsui; succeeding Shiroki North America President Akihiko Yatsushiro; executive senior coordinators; general mangers; assistant general managers; top suppliers; special guests Mike Foster, county mayor; Suzanne Williams, Chamber of Commerce director; Angie Meadows, Smithville Review general manager; Wanda Poss, senior citizen director; and Terri Lynn Weaver, Tenn. House of Representatives.
Suzuki is only saying good-bye to Tennessee, not the company. He will continue his work at the Japan location.
He will truly be missed by local employees and community alike.