Ryuichi Kitaguchi

President
Daifuku America Corporation

Mr. Ryuichi Kitaguchi was appointed President of Daifuku America Corporation in April 2007.

Mr. Kitaguchi joined Daifuku Co., Ltd in 1969. His career includes diverse technical and management responsibilities, including strategic production planning and project management of major projects in North America, South Asia, and Europe, as well as management of installation and manufacturing groups. Mr. Kitaguchi was Executive Vice President of the Automotive division from 2004 to 2007.
Kitaguchi was Executive Vice President

Nobo Morita

Executive Vice President
Manufacturing & Distribution, Daifuku America

Mr. Morita's focus is on providing the best possible hardware and software to customers. Morita initially joined Daifuku in 1977 and since 2000 he has served as the managing director of Daifuku Europe Ltd. Prior to the position of Managing Director in Europe, he held the position of Executive Vice President of Operations at Daifuku America Corporation.
Kitaguchi was Executive Vice President

Naotaka Shirai

Executive Vice President
Cleanroom, Daifuku America

As the head of the Cleanroom division of Daifuku America Corporation, Naotaka “Nick” Shirai dedicates his efforts to ensuring customer satisfaction. He brings to the position expertise in engineering, sales and finance.

During his 36-year tenure with Daifuku and Daifuku America, Mr. Shirai has served in many management and executive positions. After serving as a Vice President previously, Mr. Shirai has been in his current capacity for the last three years.

Akihiko Nishimura

Vice President
Automotive, Daifuku America

Mr. Akihiko Nishimura was appointed Vice President of Daifuku America Corporation’s Automotive division in April 2007.

Mr. Nishimura joined Daifuku Co., Ltd in 1987. His experience includes the areas of Technical Service, Sales, and Purchasing. Between 1989 and 1996, he was General Manager of Daifuku Canada, Inc. He was project manager of major new plant installations in North America from 1997 through 2005. In 2006, Mr. Nishimura joined Daifuku America Corporation as a Director.

MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

1. Contribute to the development of industry by supplying optimal material handling systems to a global market.

2. Focus on healthy, growth-driven management which values profitability.

3. Create a lively corporate culture which respects the personality and individuality of each employee.