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Ingredion Incorporated Reports Solid Fourth Quarter 2017 Results and Record Full-Year Earnings Per Share

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- Fourth quarter 2017 reported and adjusted EPS were $1.35 and $1.73, respectively, up from fourth quarter 2016 reported and adjusted EPS of $1.26 and $1.67, respectively
- Full-year 2017 reported and adjusted EPS were $7.06 and $7.70, respectively, up from $6.55 of reported EPS and $7.13 adjusted EPS in the year-ago period
- 2018 adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $8.10-$8.50, which includes an estimated one percentage point lower effective tax rate from U.S. tax reform

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Feb 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, today reported results for the fourth quarter 2017. The results reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for 2017 and 2016 include items which are excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures which we present.

"We concluded 2017 with record earnings per share and operating income. Sales of our higher-value specialty portfolio grew to 28 percent of net sales for the year and the continued integration of our acquisitions of the Sun Flour rice business, TIC Gums and Shandong Huanong Specialty Corn position us for continued growth," said Jim Zallie, president and chief executive officer. "For the year, specialty-related volume growth, as well as our global optimization efforts drove margin expansion. North America, Asia Pacific and EMEA achieved record operating income. South America, although down, completed an important organizational restructuring, enabling a more cost competitive position going forward.

"We expect continued growth in our specialty portfolio, disciplined cost management, and ongoing capital investments to support margin expansion. Additionally, we will explore potential M&A opportunities that drive specialty growth. We remain committed to creating long-term shareholder value. For 2018, we anticipate adjusted EPS of $8.10 to $8.50," Zallie added.

Full release: http://hugin.info/147221/R/2165275/833100.pdf

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE:INGR) is a leading global ingredient solutions provider. We turn grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant materials into value-added ingredients and biomaterial solutions for the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, brewing and other industries. Serving customers in over 100 countries, our ingredients make crackers crunchy, yogurts creamy, candy sweet, paper stronger and add fiber to nutrition bars. Visit www.ingredion.com to learn more.

CONTACT:
Investors: Heather Kos, 708-551-2592
Media: Claire Regan, 708-551-2602

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Ingredion Incorporated via Globenewswire


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Verisk to Announce Fiscal Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Results on February 20, 2018

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JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Verisk (Nasdaq:VRSK), a leading data analytics provider, will report its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, after the market close. The press release, with accompanying financial information, will be posted on the Verisk investor website at http://investor.verisk.com.

Verisk's management team will host a live audio webcast to discuss the financial results and business highlights on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 8:30 a.m. EST (5:30 a.m. PST, 1:30 p.m. GMT). All interested parties are invited to listen to the live event via webcast on the Verisk investor website at http://investor.verisk.com. The discussion will also be available through dial-in number 1-877-755-3792 for U.S./Canada participants or 512-961-6560 for international participants.

A replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days on the Verisk investor website and through the conference call number 1-855-859-2056 for U.S./Canada participants or 404-537-3406 for international participants using Conference ID #7319817.

About Verisk

Verisk (Nasdaq:VRSK) is a leading data analytics provider serving customers in insurance, energy and specialized markets, and financial services. Using advanced technologies to collect and analyze billions of records, Verisk draws on unique data assets and deep domain expertise to provide first-to-market innovations that are integrated into customer workflows. Verisk offers predictive analytics and decision support solutions to customers in rating, underwriting, claims, catastrophe and weather risk, global risk analytics, natural resources intelligence, economic forecasting, and many other fields. Around the world, Verisk helps customers protect people, property, and financial assets.

Headquartered in Jersey City, N.J., Verisk operates in 30 countries and is a member of Standard & Poor's S&P 500(R) Index. In 2017, Forbes magazine named Verisk to its America's Best Mid-Size Employers list and to its World's Most Innovative Companies list. Verisk is one of only seven companies to appear on both lists. For more information, please visit www.verisk.com.

Contact:
Investor Relations
Lee Shavel
Chief Financial Officer
Verisk
201-469-2073
IR@verisk.com

Media
Rich Tauberman
MWWPR (for Verisk)
202-600-4546
rtauberman@mww.com

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Verisk Analytics Inc. via Globenewswire


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Eastman Announces Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Financial Results

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KINGSPORT, Tenn., Feb 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) today announced reported earnings of $4.01 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2017 versus $0.79 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2016. Adjusted earnings were $1.62 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2017 versus $1.51 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2016. Fourth-quarter 2017 adjusted earnings excludes non-core and unusual items, including $0.55 per diluted share of net costs resulting from the coal gasification incident (see "Coal Gasification Incident") and a $2.91 per share net benefit of one-time tax items primarily resulting from enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (see "Cash Flow and Tax Items"). For detail of the adjustments and reconciliations to reported company and segment earnings for all periods presented, see Tables 3A and 4.

"Looking at full year 2017, we delivered a compelling 13 percent increase in adjusted EPS and $1 billion of free cash flow," said Mark Costa, Board Chair and CEO. "Additionally, we ended the year with both solid fourth-quarter results and the safe and efficient repair of our coal gasification facility with minimal disruption to our customers. This performance demonstrates the strength of our portfolio and the benefits of our innovation-driven growth model. Our results also reflect the tremendous capability and determination of the Eastman team that is exemplified in our response to the coal gasification incident and two U.S. hurricanes while driving top line growth at the same time. We remain confident that execution of our strategy will continue to deliver outstanding results going forward."

Full release: http://hugin.info/150386/R/2165609/833280.PDF

Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Contacts:
Media: Tracy Kilgore Addington
423-224-0498 / tracy@eastman.com

Investors: Greg Riddle
212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Hitachi Automotive Systems India to Present the Group's Advanced Systems at the 14th Delhi Auto Expo

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TOKYO, Feb 2, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. and its group company, Hitachi Automotive Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. today announced that they will exhibit at stand number 10 in Hall 12A for the components division at the 14th Delhi Auto Expo 2018. The Expo will be held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India, from February 8 to 11, 2018. Here, the Hitachi Automotive System Group's electrification and autonomous driving systems will be presented.

In India, the number of vehicles produced for export is increasing as the country becomes an automobile production hub for global expansion. Against this background, more and more global automotive manufacturers are producing engine platforms in India. In terms of automobile sales, India is increasing its presence in the global automotive industry, last year coming in ahead of Germany with the fourth largest amount of automobile sales after China, the United States, and Japan.

Countries throughout the world are seeing an increasing trend of the popularization of electrified and autonomous driving vehicles, and India is no exception. For example, in terms of trends for electrification, the Indian government announced in June 2017 that the domestic sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles would be banned by 2030, so that only electric-powered vehicles may be sold in India. Meanwhile, India has the world's highest number of traffic accident fatalities, and in order to eliminate traffic accidents, the demand for safety driving support technologies is increasing.

The Hitachi Automotive Systems Group provides advanced systems such as electrification systems and autonomous driving systems, which form the key to solving issues faced by automotive societies, and contributes to the development of next-generation vehicles, aiming to create new value for society.

In this exhibit, Hitachi Automotive Systems India will present products that the Hitachi Automotive Systems Group offers, divided into the following areas. Exhibited items will include products and systems in the environment and safety fields which are offered by the Group globally, as well as aftermarket products sold in India.

Autonomous Driving System Area

This area will introduce electrification systems that are essential for responding to regulations for environmental conservation, as well as autonomous driving systems created by coordinating 360 degrees sensing technology and safety control technology in order to reduce traffic accidents and traffic jams. The technologies will be presented using actual displays and video footage.

Improved Fuel Efficiency Engine System Area

This area will introduce a highly efficient next-generation gasoline engine system aiming to further improve fuel consumption, including an intake and exhaust system with increased combustion efficiency and a heat exchange system. The technology will be explained using video footage and panels.

Aftermarket Area

This area will exhibit products offered by the Hitachi Automotive Systems Group in India such as air flow sensors, shock absorbers and ignition coils.

About Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development, manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine powertrain systems, electric powertrain systems, integrated vehicle control systems. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/.

About HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED

HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED is a regional extension of Hitachi Automotive Systems in India. The company manufactures and sells automotive components and systems. Also, the company provides aftermarket parts and service through Hitachi Automotive Systems Pune (India) Pvt. Ltd. in Pune.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

Contact:
Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Vitargent forms strategic alliance with PwC to accelerate product safety testing technologies in China, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia

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HONG KONG, Feb 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - PwC China and Hong Kong ("PwC") are delighted to announce that Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Limited ("Vitargent") has become a strategic partner with PwC.

Leveraging PwC's extensive global network and Vitargent's expertise, the strategic alliance will help both companies enter new geographic markets, as well as the food supply and integrity segments in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.

A signing ceremony was held today in Hong Kong by Elton Yeung, Strategy and Innovation Leader, PwC Greater China; and Jimmy Tao, Chief Executive Officer, Vitargent.

"Enhancing trust in food safety is a growing concern in a climate where public confidence in food producers, processors and sellers have been heavily disrupted in recent years. Despite the overall improvement of food safety and standards in many countries including China, the quality of many large-scale food companies remains unstable," says Samie Wan, PwC Food Supply and Integrity Services Leader. "To address growing needs in this area, PwC Food Supply and Integrity Services was established in 2015. We believe our strategic alliance with Vitargent, leveraging their innovative testing technology, can provide our clients with a holistic one-stop solution."

"The strategic alliance between PwC and Vitargent is an important milestone for Vitargent. We share the same vision with PwC. It is our goal to develop a comprehensive quality control system for product safety worldwide, especially for the vast consumer market in Mainland China. We hope to benefit every industry by helping them improve their quality of products with the application of the world's leading bio-testing technology and Test-it(TM) consumer product safety information platform," says Jimmy Tao.

"Together we have formed a professional team with over 30 experts. We will be publishing Test-it(TM) reports and safe-to-buy product lists so the public can access product safety information and make good use of world's first Testing 2.0 biotechnology data in everyday lives, which will gradually develop into the most dependable report of its kind. It also serves the purpose of building consumers' trust in brands and manufacturers. It is a sustainable development for the society."

"Our strategic partnership with Vitargent is PwC's testimony in building trust in society and solving important problems," says Elton Yeung, Strategy and Innovation Leader, PwC. "As our food supply becomes increasingly globalised, and the cycle of food production to consumption continues to change and evolve, the need to strengthen food safety systems in the supply chain and amongst countries is imperative. Leveraging PwC's global network and Vitargent's award-winning safety testing technologies, we are well positioned to safeguard and promote the importance of food safety and quality, and increase general consumer confidence."

About Vitargent
Established in 2010, Vitargent is a pioneer in the field of safety testing technology. With hands-on guidance from our world renowned Scientific and Business Advisory Boards, we combine technological expertise with social responsibility. Test-it(TM) is the consumer product safety information platform under Vitargent. With the world's first Testing 2.0 bio-testing technology, it provides dependable information for consumer product safety. We are the proud winners of the Grand Prix at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2015). www.vitargent.com.

PwC - Food Supply & Integrity Services
China's food sector is evolving rapidly. PwC's Food Supply & Integrity Services combine food industry expertise with our capabilities in risk management, internal controls, supply chain, strategy, compliance, capital markets and M&A to help our clients achieve lasting success. Our services enable a variety clients to deliver safe, quality food from growing and profitable businesses.

About PwC - Globally
At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We're a network of firms in 158 countries with more than 236,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.
PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

PwC - Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
PwC China, Hong Kong and Macau work together on a collaborative basis, subject to local applicable laws. Collectively, we have over 600 partners and over 16,000 people in total.
We provide organisations with the professional service they need, wherever they may be located. Our highly qualified, experienced professionals listen to different points of view to help organisations solve their business issues and identify and maximise the opportunities they seek. Our industry specialisation allows us to help co-create solutions with our clients for their sector of interest.

We are located in these cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenyang, Dalian, Tianjin, Jinan, Qingdao, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Hefei, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau.
(c) 2018 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved.

Contact:
Wayne Yim, PwC Hong Kong
Email: wayne.kh.yim@hk.pwc.com
Tel: +852 2289 8912

Wing Kwong, Vitargent
Email: wing.kwong@vitargent.com
Tel: +852 2399 0683


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Toyota Sells 1.52 Million Electrified Vehicles in 2017, Three Years Ahead of 2020 Target

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Milestone puts Toyota on track to achieve its 2030 target of 5.5 million electrified vehicle sales per year as part of its "Environmental Challenge 2050"

Toyota City, Japan, Feb 2, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - When it comes to global environmental leadership, the number of vehicles that customers buy around the world have a greater impact than the number of concept cars launched at motor shows. Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it reached a major milestone in annual sales of electrified powertrains in 2017 with over 1.52 million sold worldwide. The figure was an increase of eight percent over the prior record set in 2016, marking back-to-back years of growth and accomplishing one of Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050 targets, selling more than 1.5 million electrified vehicles in a single year, three years in advance of the original target set for 2020. Additionally, cumulative sales of electrified vehicles now exceed 11.47 million, which represents a reduction of more than 90 million tons of CO2 compared to sales of equivalent conventional vehicles.

"In just over 20 years, we have seen electrified new vehicle sales increase from under 500 sales to more than 1.5 million sales," said Shigeki Terashi, executive vice president, Toyota Motor Corporation. "This is a testament from our customers to the quality, durability and reliability of our electrified powertrains, and, thanks to them, has led us to establish a solid and sustainable foundation for mass producing a more diverse portfolio of electrified vehicles across our range moving forward."

Since the introduction of its first commercially available electrified powertrain on the Prius in Japan in 1997, Toyota has worked at improving the technology as the basis for its electrification efforts, having launched first mass-produced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, the Mirai, in 2014, the fourth generation of the Prius in 2016, and the second-generation Prius Plug-In Electric Vehicle in 2017. The company will continue the development and diversification of electrified vehicles as it now turns its sights to include the mass production of battery electric vehicles from 2020, starting in China and India, followed by Japan, the United States and Europe. Toyota also aims to further expand sales of hybrid electric vehicles in emerging markets to further contribute to lowering CO2 from new vehicles sales worldwide.

The efforts to improve and increase the diversity of electrified power train options is tied directly to Toyota's 'Environmental Challenge 2050', wherein the company aims to achieve annual electrified vehicle sales of 5.5 million units by 2030, as announced in December 2017. To achieve its goal, Toyota unveiled plans to have 10 BEV models available worldwide by the early 2020s, and from around 2025, the company aims to have an electrified version available for all vehicle models across its global lineup.

ReferenceEnvironmental Challenge 2050 (announced in October 2015)

New Vehicles Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge:
Reducing global average new-vehicle CO2 emissions by 90 percent by 2050 (compared to Toyota's 2010 global average)

- Achieving annual global sales of over 30,000 fuel cell vehicles around or after 2020. In Japan, selling at least 1,000 fuel cell vehicles per month (well in excess of 10,000 per year)
- Beginning sales of fuel cell buses in small numbers by early 2017, focusing on Tokyo; preparing to sell over 100 fuel cell buses ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
- Achieving sales of 1.5 million hybrids annually and 15 million hybrids cumulatively by 2020
- Reducing average CO2 emissions from new vehicles by more than 22 percent by 2020 (compared to Toyota's 2010 global average)

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Toyota Motor Corporation Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

DENSO Announces Third-quarter Financial Results

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- DENSO's revises up full-year financial results forecast again -

KARIYA, JAPAN, Feb 2, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Global automotive supplier DENSO Corporation today announced its global financial results for the nine months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018:

- Consolidated revenue totaled 3,699.1 billion yen (US$32.7 billion), an 11.7 percent increase from the previous year.
- Consolidated operating profit totaled 314.6 billion yen (US$2.8 billion), a 27.1 percent increase from the previous year.
- Consolidated profit attributable to owners of the parent company totaled 251.3 billion yen (US$2.2 billion), a 31.6 percent increase from the previous year.

"DENSO's revenue rose due to an increase in vehicle production, as well as sales expansion. In addition, newly consolidated subsidiaries contributed to growth in revenue. DENSO's operating profit also saw an increase due to a rise in production volume and company cost reduction efforts," said Yasushi Matsui, executive director of DENSO Corporation.

In Japan, a rise in vehicle production and newly consolidated subsidiaries resulted in an increase in revenue to 2,231.7 billion yen (US$19.7 billion), a 12.6 percent growth from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume and cost reduction efforts, the operating profit totaled 161.1 billion yen (US$1.4 billion), a 50.8 percent improvement from the previous year.

In North America, a sales expansion led to a rise in revenue to 840.2 billion yen (US$7.4 billion), a 7.5 percent increase from the previous year. On the other hand, the operating profit totaled 31.2 billion yen (US$0.3 billion), which resulted in a 28.3 percent decrease from the previous year due, which is attributed to increases in depreciation.

In Europe, a rise in both vehicle production and sales expansion led to an increase in revenue to 476.8 billion yen (US$4.2 billion), a 14.4 percent increase from the previous year. Due to depreciation increases, operating profit decreased to 14.0 billion yen (US$0.1 billion), a 1.9 percent decrease from the previous year.

In Asia, an increase in both vehicle production and sales expansion resulted in an increase in revenue to 973.9 billion yen (US$8.6 billion), a 16.0 percent rise from the previous year. As a result of the increase in production volume, an operating profit totaled 100.6 billion yen (US$0.9 billion), a 25.0 percent growth from the previous year.

In other areas, mainly the South American region, including Brazil and Argentina, revenue totaled 61.5 billion yen (US$0.5 billion), a 31.2 percent increase from the previous year. The operating profit totaled 11.3 billion yen (US$0.1 billion).

"After considering our third-quarter financial results, and the latest movement in the foreign exchange markets, we have revised up our full-year financial result forecasts again." said Yasushi Matsui.

(Foreign exchange rates used for the full-year are US$= 111 yen, Euro= 128 yen)

About Denso

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions and employs nearly 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, totaled US$39.8 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.

Contact:
Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe DENSO CORPORATION Phone: 81-566-25-5594 Fax: 81-566-25-4509 sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

CrytpoCharity.org launches global crypto-fund-raising campaign to fight cancer

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Saint Julian's, MALTA, Feb 4, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CrytpoCharity.org, a blockchain-powered philanthrophy solution has chosen today, World Cancer Day 2018, to launch its global fund-raising campaign.

On World Cancer Day the entire planet unites in the fight against this deadly disease. The crypto community can't and shouldn't stay sidelined during this global initiative.

This is the day to remind society about the vital role individuals can play to make change happen. The crypto community is perfectly positioned to empower charities in their fight against cancer.

All proceeds collected during the campaign will go towards the Serenity Garden Project at the Oncology Centre in Malta and directly and concretely increases the wellbeing and quality of life of patients.

Charity with digital assets on a blockchain makes it possible to donate in a fast, cheap, secure and transparent way. Philanthropists will be eligible to receive Charitable tokens for every 1 euro equivalent of digital asset donation.

H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta shares the mission of CryptoCharity campaign: "I envisage that the gardens will provide a soothing distraction, and help the patients achieve a sense of control; encourage family and friends to be with their loved ones in a pleasant, social environment; and offer opportunities for movement and light exercise. The proposed gardens will thus form an integral part of the Oncology Centre."

Gregory Klumov, the co-founder of STASIS, commented: "Too often the cryptocurrency and blockchain community speaks of what may someday be possible with this new technology. We believe it is time to show what is possible now and to use our knowledge and expertise towards changing lives for the better. We are on a mission to bridge the gap between decentralized finance and the people - and we are delighted to be able to contribute to this wonderful initiative and help usher philanthropy into a new era.

CrytpoCharity.org hopes to raise at least 200,000 euro or the equivalent thereof which will be transferred in full to the MCCFF.

CrytpoCharity is a blockchain-powered solution designed to facilitate the process of donations built on the STASIS platform technology.

STASIS Platform is a financial and technological infrastructure for launching digital assets reserved by traditional financial instruments with the regular state audit.

The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCFF) is a non-profit organisation based in Valletta, Malta. The foundation is Chaired by H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, and is aimed at supporting individuals and entities to improve the health, quality of life and wellbeing of people in time of need.


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

NEC Achieves Advanced Scratch Resistance and Maki-e Style Printing on Luxury Lacquerware Tone Bioplastic

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TOKYO, Feb 6, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC announced a breakthrough in the scratch resistance of its "Urushi black" tone bioplastic(1) that resembles traditional craft Japanese lacquerware. The bioplastic has been developed in collaboration with Dr. Yutaro Shimode, a renowned Japanese lacquerware artist who is a professor of Kyoto Sangyo University and is a third-generation president of the Shimode makie-studio. Moreover, maki-e style printing has been developed, which enables high-level reproduction of elaborate, three-dimensional maki-e(2) drawn on the surface of lacquerware.

NEC has an accomplished history of developing bioplastics with plants as raw materials, which helps to reduce CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming. NEC's "Urushi black" tone bioplastic in particular has attracted great interest, and in order to promote the practical use of this bioplastic, high scratch resistance and greater decorativeness are expected.

As part of this, NEC developed a compound technology of additives that prevents scratching, even after repeated rubbing with cloth or paper, and maintains the optical characteristics of "Urushi black." With this technology, one of the highest levels of scratch resistance has been achieved among plastics used for decorative purposes. Further, digital image processing has been applied based on elaborate, three-dimensional, first-class maki-e drawn by Dr. Shimode. This is in addition to ink composition, coloring components, and printing conditions that have been optimized in cooperation with a printing manufacturer that excels at special printing. Through these processes, NEC has succeeded in advanced maki-e style printing that enables near faithful reproduction of the actual works.

"In the future, NEC aims to collaborate with resin material manufacturers to promote the practical use of this material in durable products and luxury commodities that contribute to a decorative atmosphere and environmental friendliness," said Mr. Soichi Tsumura, General Manager, IoT Device Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation.

This technique has been partially developed as part of the Japan Science and Technology Agency's (JST) ALCA project.

(1) Press release; August 17, 2016
NEC develops non-edible-plant-based bioplastic featuring the elegance of traditional Japanese lacquerware
http://www.nec.com/en/press/201608/global_20160817_01.html
(2) Maki-e: A traditional Japanese craft. A picture drawn with a brush on the surface of lacquerware that is coated with lacquer and then polished.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.

Contact:
NEC Seiichiro Toda s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com +81-3-3798-6511

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

MarketingPulse Debuts Next Month

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Global Creative Minds, Brand Owners Convene to Examine Innovative Marketing

HONG KONG, Feb 6, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), MarketingPulse, a regional premium conference for marketers and brands, will debut on 21 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), featuring world-renowned brand owners, marketing and advertising experts and top creative minds. The inaugural event is tailored for corporate executives, brand representatives as well as marketing and advertising agency representatives to hear about the latest marketing strategies and trends.

Innovative Ideas from Mars to Van Gogh

Speaking at the session "Innovation Shapes New Marketing Frontiers" will be legendary advertising figures Joshua Grossberg, Group Creative Director of McCann New York, and Peter Lefebvre, Creative Director of Leo Burnett.

Mr Grossberg is behind the successful 2016 Lockheed Martin promotional campaign "The Field Trip to Mars," which used virtual reality (VR) technology to lead a group of primary-school students on a Martian adventure. The groundbreaking promotional campaign, which successfully leveraged cutting-edge technology, captivated the industry and the media, earning the agency numerous advertising awards, including the NYF Advertising Awards and the Webby Awards.

In a 2016 project for the Art Institute of Chicago, Mr Lefebvre recreated the room featured in the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh's The Bedroom and listed it on Airbnb to give the public an up-close look at Van Gogh's masterpiece. The cross-sector collaboration quickly went viral and successfully promoted the Art Institute's Van Gogh exhibition to online audiences. That same year, Mr Lefebvre was named one of 2016's top 10 creative directors.

Creative thinking from content to media

In addition, the conference will explore an array of topical marketing subjects, including the Asian and Chinese markets, content marketing and big data applications. The conference has also invited several creative marketing gurus to host interactive sharing sessions to discuss the latest trends.

The star-studded speaker line-up also includes:

Leading brand representatives
- Tony Chow, Regional Director, Creative & Content Marketing, Asia Pacific of Marriott International
- Evan Greene, Chief Marketing Officer of The Recording Academy (GRAMMY)
- Hu Qin Hai, Brand Director of Pechoin
- Beverly W Jackson, VP, Social Portfolio Strategy of MGM Resorts International
- JiPeng Men, Vice President, JD.com
- Mahmoud Salahy, General Manager of The North Face, China
- Kei Suzuki, Director of Ryohin Keikaku Co, Ltd (MUJI)

Advertising and marketing experts / creative gurus
- Rohit Bhargava, founder & Chief Trend Curator of The Non-Obvious Company
- Nuntawat (Golf) Chaipornkaew, founder and Creative Director of NAWIN consultant
- Viveca Chan, Chairman and CEO, WE Marketing Group
- Sehgeun Choi, Senior Creative Director of INNORED
- 3water Li, founder of W
- Tommy Li, Creative Director of Tommy Li Design Workshop Ltd
- Kazuhiro Shimura, Creative Director of Dentsu Inc
- Assaf Tarnopolsky, Director, Marketing Solutions, South East Asia, North Asia & Japan of LinkedIn
- Spencer Wong, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer of McCann & Spencer

More heavyweight speakers are expected to join the line-up. Please refer to the website's Speakers List for the latest information. http://www.hktdc.com/ncs/marketingpulse2018/en/s/Speakers.html

Exhibition and business-matching service to generate concrete business opportunities

MarketingPulse will feature an Exhibition Zone, gathering digital marketing and innovative companies to showcase new marketing strategies, technologies and solutions, and to demonstrate Hong Kong's marketing prowess. On-site business-matching will arrange one-on-one meetings for brands and exhibiting marketing agencies to explore collaboration opportunities. In addition, the HKTDC will organise various networking events for brand representatives and marketing companies to exchange intelligence and build networks.

MarketingPulse
Date: 21 March 2018 (Wednesday)
Time: 9am-7pm
Venue: Halls 3DE, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Who Should Attend: Corporate management, brand representatives, advertising agency representatives, creatives, marketers
Format: Forums, dialogue sessions, exhibition and networking events
Supporting Organisations: Digital Marketing Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Association of Interactive Marketing, HKMA Digital Marketing Community and The Hong Kong Advertisers Association
Fee: HK$1,950 / US$250 (30% discount for online registration and payment on or before 15 February 2018)
Website: www.marketingpulse.com.hk

For interviews with speakers, please email your interview outline and contact information to billy.km.ng@hktdc.org.

About HKTDC

Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.
- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council

Contact:
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department Billy Ng Tel: +852 2584 4393 Email: billy.km.ng@hktdc.org

Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

China Wood Optimization Accredited as a High and New Technology Enterprise

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Tax Preferential Treatment to have Positive Impact on Operational Results

HONG KONG, Feb 6, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - China Wood Optimization (Holding) Limited ("China Wood Optimization" or the "Group," HKEX stock code: 1885), an advanced new technology group engaged in the processing, manufacturing and sales of Processed Wood Products and a self-developed Wood Processing Procedure Service, is pleased to announce that Jiangsu AMS Wood Industry Company Limited ("Jiangsu AMS"), a subsidiary of the Company has been awarded the High and New Technology Enterprise Certificate (the "Certificate"). With reference to requirements related to the Certificate and in accordance with relevant regulations of the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the People's Republic of China, enterprises certified are entitled to a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15%.

The Certificate was jointly issued by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Finance, Jiangsu Provincial Office of the State Administration of Taxation and the Jiangsu Provincial Local Taxation Bureau. The Certificate number is GR201732004531 and is valid for a term of three years commencing from its issue date on 27 December 2017. The Group is therefore entitled to enjoy preferential tax treatment for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019, during that time, paying an enterprise income tax rate of 15% (the original income tax rate being 25%).

Yim Tsun, Chairlady of China Wood Optimization, said, "We are very delighted to be accredited as a High and New Technology Enterprise, which represents a recognition of China Wood Optimization's efforts in developing its wood optimization technology. We believe that the tax preferential treatment will also have a positive impact on the operation results of the Group."

About China Wood Optimization (Holding) Limited (stock code: 1885)
The Group is principally engaged in the processing, manufacturing and sales of processed wood products, as well as providing a Wood Processing Procedure Service for customers with a self-developed wood processing procedure and a self-developed impregnation fluid. The Group's processed wood products include the less-shaved Processed Wood Panels. The Group's wood processing procedure can improve the hardness, shrinkage and swelling rate, density, deformation resistance, cracking resistance, anti-corrosiveness, bending strength and elasticity of poplar wood. Its processed wood products can be used as substitutes of natural solid woods. The Group's products are widely used to make furniture and indoor furnishing materials. Customers of the Group mainly include manufacturers of floor planks, furniture, doors and window frames and wholesalers of wooden panels. The Group successfully transferred listing from the GEM to Main Board in September 2016.For details, please refer to http://www.chinawood.com.hk/

Media Enquiry:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Veron Ng +852 2864 4831 veron.ng@sprg.com.hk
Jessica Siu +852 2114 2820 jessica.siu@sprg.com.hk
Fiona Wang +852 2864 4861 fiona.wang@sprg.com.hk
www.sprg.com.hk



Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Ingredion to Present at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference on Tuesday, February 20, 2018

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WESTCHESTER, Ill., Feb 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, will present at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in Boca Raton, Florida.

Ingredion's presentation will be delivered by Jim Zallie, president and chief executive officer, James Gray, executive vice president and chief financial officer and Jorgen Kokke, executive vice president, global specialties, and president, North America. A live webcast of the presentation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time) and will be available on the Company's website, www.ingredion.com, in the "Company and Investors" section, under "Investors/Presentations & Presentations/Webcasts." Participants are encouraged to log onto the webcast approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation. A replay will also be available on the Company's website.

ABOUT INGREDION

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) is a leading global ingredient solutions provider. We turn grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant materials into value-added ingredients and biomaterial solutions for the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, brewing and other industries. Serving customers in over 100 countries, our ingredients make crackers crunchy, yogurts creamy, candy sweet, paper stronger and add fiber to nutrition bars. Visit Ingredion.com to learn more.

CONTACT:
Investors: Heather Kos, 708-551-2592
Media: Claire Regan, 708-551-2602

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Ingredion Incorporated via Globenewswire


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Lubrizol LifeSciences to Showcase Full-Service Medical Device Solutions at MD&M West 2018

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CLEVELAND, Ohio, Feb 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation's LifeSciences business will showcase its total solutions capabilities for medical device manufacturers at the MD&M West 2018 Exposition (Booth #2201), February 6-8. Lubrizol LifeSciences is a preferred medical device and pharmaceutical solutions partner, helping customers from concept to commercialization by offering polymer customization, drug-eluting device development and contract manufacturing services. This year, Lubrizol LifeSciences will highlight a strong commitment to the interventional catheters, long-term implant and drug-eluting device markets.

LifeSciences has invested significantly to expand its global development and manufacturing facilities to better serve the growing medical device market by expanding its silicone and thermoplastic capacity with a 71,000-square foot facility. This facility features enhanced product development capabilities, cellular manufacturing and high-efficiency production lines in Class 7 & 8 clean rooms.

"When customers partner with Lubrizol LifeSciences, they benefit from working with us at every stage in their development process," states Uwe Winzen, general manager, Lubrizol LifeSciences. "Our long history of polymer expertise and medical device manufacturing, enhanced with recent investments, makes Lubrizol LifeSciences a full-service development partner for the next generation of medical devices, including long-term implantable and drug-eluting device innovations."

Additionally, at MD&M West LifeSciences will highlight a comprehensive suite of services focused on the development of advanced drug/device combination solutions including analytical services for coating characterization, drug release testing and more. LifeSciences is a preferred partner to take a novel device concept and expedite time to market with streamlined product development, clinical and commercial manufacturing capabilities.

About Lubrizol LifeSciences

Lubrizol LifeSciences is a preferred Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) partner for complex pharmaceuticals and high-end medical devices providing differentiated polymers and excipients, along with state-of-the-art design, development and manufacturing services to the healthcare industry.

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a market-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It is a leader at combining market insights with chemistry and application capabilities to deliver valuable solutions to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. Lubrizol improves lives by acting as an essential partner in our customers' success, delivering efficiency, reliability or wellness to their end users. Technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care, personal care and skin care products and specialty materials encompassing polymer and coatings technologies, along with polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical device solutions.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,300 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2016 were $6.5 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

Media Contact
Ben Patti
(216) 447-5827
www.lubrizol.com/LifeSciences

###

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Lubrizol via Globenewswire


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Eastman Innovation Day Highlights Innovation-Driven Growth Model, Sustainable Earnings Growth and Strong Free Cash Flow

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- Expects 8%-12% adjusted EPS* growth 2018-2020
- Expects approximately $3.5 billion free cash flow* between 2018-2020
- Announces new $2 billion share repurchase authorization

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Feb 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - At Eastman Chemical Company's (NYSE: EMN) 2018 Innovation Day, senior company executives discussed the company's focus on innovation to drive growth and strong value creation.

"We have built a compelling, innovation-driven growth model that is unique to Eastman," said Mark Costa, Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer. "Our model consists of the combination of world-class technology platforms, relentless market engagement, and differentiated application development. In particular, application development, which both accelerates and demonstrates the value of our innovation as well as improves understanding of the value of our products, is key to growth. In addition, aggressive portfolio management has improved the structural quality of the company's earnings and cash flows. As a result, adjusted EBITDA* has increased by over 90 percent from 2010 to 2017, with about half the improvement coming from organic growth and half coming from acquisitions, and this success is despite significant macro headwinds. And over the last 3 years, the company has generated close to $3 billion of free cash flow*."

"Looking forward, we expect to leverage our innovation-driven growth model and strong cash generation to continue to deliver strong value creation," said Costa. "We expect revenue growth in our specialty products to be two times underlying markets, for our adjusted EBITDA margin to increase from the current 23 percent*, to generate approximately $3.5 billion of free cash flow over the next 3 years, and for return on invested capital to be between 10 to 15 percent*, which is significantly above cost of capital. We also expect the compound annual growth rate of our adjusted EPS to be 8 to 12 percent over the next 3 years, which would be outstanding growth and a testament to the strength of our portfolio and our innovation."

Financial Outlook: A Position of Strength

Curt Espeland, executive vice president and chief financial officer, stated that Eastman's financial position remains a point of strength for the company. Espeland highlighted the strength of Eastman's balance sheet and free cash flow generation, which together provide a strong foundation to pursue both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Eastman expects to generate approximately $3.5 billion in free cash flow from 2018 to 2020 with return-on-invested capital of 10 to 15 percent, which is 3 to 8 percent above cost of capital. Capital deployment will remain disciplined and balanced among capital expenditures, joint ventures and acquisitions, and returning cash to stockholders. He also reiterated the company's commitment to maintaining its investment-grade credit rating. The company has increased its dividend for eight consecutive years and expects continued dividend increases as earnings grow.

In addition, Espeland announced that Eastman's Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to an additional $2 billion of Eastman common stock. Espeland said, "This action taken by our Board of Directors further reinforces its confidence in our cash flow generation and its commitment to return value to stockholders." See "Board Approves Additional $2 Billion Share Repurchases."

*See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations."

Advanced Materials: A Materials Solutions Business Leveraging Innovation for Growth

Brad Lich, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, discussed the company's strategy to deliver strong value creation in the Advanced Materials segment, which consists of Eastman's specialty plastics, advanced interlayers and performance films product lines. Lich said the segment is a portfolio of engineering polymers and specialty films focused on niche applications with opportunities for continuous innovation. He discussed how products such as Saflex(R) automotive interlayers, LLumar(R) performance films, and medical copolyesters are applying Eastman's innovation-driven growth model to win with their customers. He also said Advanced Materials relentlessly engages the market to activate market niches that are poised to grow 2 to 3 times the underlying market growth rate while also leveraging application development to activate markets and capture value.

According to Lich, the formula for growth in Advanced Materials is core volume growth that is at or above market rates, mix improvement due to premium products with higher margins growing faster than core products in the portfolio, and fixed cost leverage. Advanced Materials has had success driving growth through innovation, generating approximately $175 million of new business revenue in 2017, and expects approximately $250 million of new business revenue in 2020. Lich also indicated that between 2018 and 2020, Advanced Materials expects to grow sales revenue at mid-single digit rates, with an operating margin above 20 percent, and an operating earnings compounded annual growth rate of 7 to 10 percent.

Fibers: Stabilizing the Core and Building Momentum in New Applications

The Fibers segment has stabilized its core acetate tow business and is aggressively growing in new applications in the textiles market. Lich stated that Fibers has two-thirds of its acetate tow business under multiyear agreements, that 25 new grades of acetate tow were commercialized in 2017, and that a multiyear productivity program is positioned to offset declines in demand for acetate tow going forward. For new applications, Lich said three new brands for the textile market were launched in 2017 - Naia(TM), Vestera(TM) and Avra(TM) - with volume growth in the textiles market gaining momentum through the year and increasing by approximately 30 percent year-over-year in fourth quarter 2017. He indicated that Fibers expects an operating margin above 25 percent and to grow operating earnings at a compounded annual growth rate between 1 and 3 percent from 2018-2020.

Additives & Functional Products: A Performance Additives and Formulated Products Business Poised for Growth

Lucian Boldea, senior vice president, Additives & Functional Products, discussed the company's strategy to drive growth in this segment, which consists of performance additives and formulated products that provide critical performance to and require deep collaboration with customers. Boldea discussed how products such as Tetrashield(TM) protective resin systems, Eastman Enhanz(TM) animal nutrition additives, and Eastman Impera(TM) performance resins are applying Eastman's innovation-driven growth model to win new business and deliver sustainable growth. He also discussed how Eastman's scale relative to competitors results in a significant cost and research & development competitive advantage that contributes to the segment's sustainable growth. In addition, he discussed how customers have increased their engagement with Eastman due to the company's differentiated application development capability that results in broad engagement across the value chain.

According to Boldea, the formula for growth in Additives & Functional Products is the combination of core volume growth that is above industrial production, innovation initiatives driving growth, and Eastman's competitive advantage from greater scale and more significant integration relative to competitors. Additives & Functional Products has had success driving growth through innovation, generating approximately $100 million of new business revenue in 2017, and expects to generate approximately $250 million of new business revenue in 2020. Boldea also indicated that between 2018 and 2020, the segment expects revenue greater than $4 billion, an operating margin of approximately 20 percent, and a compound annual growth rate between 5 and 7 percent.

Eastman Innovation: Improving the Quality of Life in a Material Way

Steve Crawford, senior vice president and chief technology officer, discussed how innovation has been strengthened at Eastman due to corporate portfolio management that increased the company's ability to effectively innovate, a shift in research & development investment that improved efficiency, and the establishment of the company's unique innovation-driven growth model. Crawford focused on innovation in the textile market, including how application development enabled differentiated solutions and how the cellulose ester and modified polyester technology platforms served as the foundation for innovation. He also discussed how application development capability has been built in a number of strategic areas, including rubber additives, coatings formulations, and animal nutrition. Crawford concluded by indicating that Eastman has had success with innovation, with approximately $300 million of new business revenue in 2017 and an expectation that new business revenue will grow to approximately $500 million in 2020.

Webcast replay for Mark Costa's and Curt Espeland's presentations and written materials for all presentations are available at www.investors.eastman.com, Events & Presentations.

Board Approves Additional $2 Billion Share Repurchases

The Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to an additional $2 billion of Eastman common stock. Share repurchases will be implemented through purchases made from time to time in either the open market or private transactions. The timing, volume, and nature of share repurchases will be at the discretion of management, depending on market conditions, applicable securities laws, and other factors, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Eastman may also implement all or part of the repurchases under one or more Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, which would allow repurchases under pre-set terms at times when Eastman might otherwise be prevented from doing so under insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading restrictions.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations

All historical earnings measures in this release and in the Innovation Day presentations and accompanying written materials are non-GAAP and exclude certain non-core and unusual items. Reconciliations to historical GAAP earnings per share and operating earnings and other associated disclosures, including a description of the excluded items, are available in the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed and furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for the periods presented available on the Eastman web site at www.eastman.com in the Investors, SEC filings section, the written Innovation Day presentation materials detailed above, and the Appendix to this release. Projections of future earnings exclude any non-core, unusual, or non-recurring items. Our earnings and other financial results forecasts do not include non-core items or any unusual or non-recurring items, and we accordingly are unable to reconcile projected earnings excluding non-core and any unusual or non-recurring items to projected GAAP earnings without unreasonable efforts.

"Adjusted EBITDA" is net earnings or net earnings per share before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization adjusted to exclude the same non-core, unusual, and non-recurring items as are excluded from the Company's other non-GAAP earnings measures for the same periods. "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" is Adjusted EBITDA divided by the GAAP measure sales revenue in the Company's income statement for the same periods. Calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin for each of the historical periods presented in this release is in the Appendix, and information concerning use of the non-GAAP measures "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" is included in the Company's Form 10-Q for third quarter 2017 filed with the SEC available on the Eastman web site at www.eastman.com in the Investors, SEC filings section.

"Return on Invested Capital" (or "ROIC") is adjusted net income plus interest expense after tax divided by average total borrowings plus average adjusted stockholders' equity for the periods presented, each derived from the GAAP and non-GAAP measures in the Company's financial statements and related disclosures for the periods presented.

"Free cash flow" is cash provided by operating activities less cash used for additions to properties and equipment, both the GAAP measures in the Company's statements of cash flows for the periods presented, adjusted for any non-core, unusual, or non-recurring items. Calculation of historical free cash flow and reconciliation to GAAP cash provided by operating activities for each of the historical periods presented is in the Appendix to this release. Information concerning use of the non-GAAP measure free cash flow is available in the Company's Form 10-Q for third quarter 2017 filed with the SEC available on the Eastman web site at www.eastman.com in the Investors, SEC filings section.

"Operating Margin" is defined as operating earnings excluding non-core and any unusual or non-recurring items divided by the GAAP measure sales revenue in the Company's income statement for the period presented.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release and the Innovation Day presentations and written materials include forward-looking statements concerning plans, expectations, and assumptions for Eastman Chemical Company. Such plans, expectations and assumptions are based upon certain preliminary information, internal estimates, and management assumptions, expectations, and plans, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions, events, and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations and assumptions expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations prove to be inaccurate or are unrealized. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such expectations are and will be detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-Q filed for third quarter 2017 available, and the Form 10-K to be filed for 2017 and to be available, on the Eastman web site at www.eastman.com in the Investors, SEC filings section, and in the Investor Day presentations and written materials detailed above.

Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Media:
Tracy Kilgore Addington, 423-224-0498
tracy@eastman.com

Investors:
Greg Riddle, 212-835-1620
griddle@eastman.com

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This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire


Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

MHI: Third Factory and Electrical Components Plant Completed at Thai Joint Venture MACO

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- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems Expands Production to Strengthen Global Business Development for A/C Units -

- Completion ceremony held on February 7
- Expansion in production capacity to increase production to 2.7 million pieces by fiscal 2020, a 30% increase compared to fiscal 2015
- Total investment of approximately Yen3.0 billion

TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) Group company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MTH), has expanded production at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-Mahajak Air Conditioners Co., Ltd. (MACO), its joint venture company in Thailand to manufacture and sell residential and commercial use air conditioning systems. Facilities at the two existing factories have been expanded and upgraded, and construction completed and production begun at a new third factory and electrical assembly works. The aim of the capacity expansion is to further develop MACO to be a central production facility to meet growing demand worldwide for residential and facommercial air conditioners, especially in Asia.

A completion ceremony was held at the factory site on February 7, attended from MHI by Kazuaki Kimura, Senior Executive Vice President, President and CEO of Industry & Infrastructure business domain, from MTH by Senior Executive Vice President Kimiharu
Takeda, and from the Mahajak Group, the local partner in MACO, Chairman Chavalit Kanchanachayphoom. MACO President Masahiko Sasakura. These guests and other officers cut the ribbon to open the new facilities.

A completion ceremony was held at the factory site on February 7. MACO President Masahiko Sasakura was accompanied by guests from MHI by Kazuaki Kimura, Senior Executive Vice President, President and CEO of Industry & Infrastructure business domain, from MTH by Senior Executive Vice President Kimiharu Takeda, and from the Mahajak Group, the local partner in MACO, Chairman Chavalit Kanchanachayphoom to cut the ribbon to announce the open of the new facilities.

MACO was established in 1988, and has production facilities in the Ladkrabang Industrial Estate in the suburbs of Bangkok. Total investment for the production expansion was approximately Yen3.0 billion. Of the two newly-built facilities, the third factory will manufacture plastic and sheet metal parts for residential and commercial air conditioners, while the electrical assembly works will mount the electric parts on the electrical boards, which is one of the key components of air conditioners.

The increase in production capacity is expected to boost production volume to 2.7 million pieces by fiscal 2020, a 30% increase compared to fiscal 2015. It will also enhance productivity through changes in facilities and production methods, and synchronization of assembly, as well as strengthen cost competitiveness and reduce inventories of work in process and finished products.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems focuses on establishing an optimal production structure, such as this investment to expand production and enhance efficiency at MACO, in order to secure a competitive advantage in world markets. At the same time, as a specialist heating and cooling company, it is dedicated to developing highly competitive products that make everyday lives better for people, offering innovative thermal solutions, and contributing to the conservation of the global environment.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world's leading industrial firms with 80,000 group employees and annual consolidated revenues of around 38 billion U.S. dollars. For more than 130 years, the company has channeled big thinking into innovative and integrated solutions that move the world forward. MHI owns a unique business portfolio covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI delivers innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries from commercial aviation and transportation to power plants and gas turbines, and from machinery and infrastructure to integrated defense and space systems.
For more information, please visit the MHI Group website: http://www.mhi-global.com.
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: http://spectra.mhi.com.

Contact:
Joseph Hood, PR Manager Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Email: mhi-pr@mhi.co.jp Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168 Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

NEC Uses AI to Optimize the Allocation of Network Resources

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- Automatically classifies IoT services based on traffic characteristics -

TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced the global provision of its "Context-aware Service Controller," a solution that uses AI to automatically classify IoT services based on the characteristics of the traffic that flows into a network and optimizes the allocation of network resources by controlling the networks for each service .

In recent years, as digital transformation has continued to advance, services that utilize networks are becoming increasingly diversified and sophisticated. For example, the application of IoT services has expanded from the monitoring of equipment to include such services as video surveillance and autonomous driving. As the requirements for these services differ, traffic characteristics vary significantly as well.

Video surveillance, for example, requires stable video quality during monitoring. For autonomous driving, reliability and low delay for data transmission are required. To enable these services with different traffic characteristics on one network, it is necessary to appropriately allocate the finite network resources to each service by accelerating data processing, classifying services and visualizing the utilization status.

This new solution belongs to NEC's advanced portfolio of AI technologies, "NEC the WISE." By utilizing "NEC Advanced Analytics - RAPID machine learning" software, equipped with deep learning technology, the solution extracts traffic characteristics based on the traffic's time-series data, automatically classifies IoT services and visualizes the utilization status of networks for each service. This makes it possible to reduce the preliminary setting work that was previously required of network providers for the classification of services. Also, since classification is done based on traffic's characteristics, it is also possible to classify services even if the data is encrypted.

Furthermore, the new solution achieves network optimization through bandwidth control and priority control of networks for each classified service.

"While traditional industries embrace Digital Transformation, the telecom industry faces many challenges as a wide variety of new services overwhelm conventional networks with huge amounts of data. Billions of IoT sensors create an ever-growing network of simultaneous connections that needs to be maintained. This new solution automatically classifies services, such as 'sensing services' and 'video services,' based on traffic characteristics, then allocates the optimum level of network resources to each service," said Sigeru Okuya, Senior Vice President, NEC Corporation. "NEC is aiming to provide this new solution globally as we contribute to the achievement of optimized networks."

NEC will display the new solution in Hall 3, stand 3M30 at Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, Spain, from Monday, February 26 to Thursday, March 1.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.

Contact:
NEC Seiichiro Toda s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com +81-3-3798-6511

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Hitachi Joins the Open Invention Network Community

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TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Open Invention Network (OIN), the largest patent non-aggression community in history, and Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) announced today that Hitachi has joined as a community member. As an innovation partner for the IoT era through the advanced Social Innovation Business that leverage OT (operational technology) and IT, Hitachi is demonstrating its commitment to open source software as an enabler of innovation across a wide spectrum of industries.

"Hitachi was an early and enthusiastic supporter of open source. It helps businesses modernize their industrial applications with technologies that rely heavily on Linux and embedded Linux, like the Internet of Things (IoT)," said Keith Bergelt, CEO of OIN. "Given its substantial patent holdings, we are pleased that Hitachi has recognized the importance of participating in OIN as part of its IP strategy."

"Open source technology, especially Linux, drives innovation in areas that are critical to the customers that we serve, including technologies such as servers, storage, cloud, converged applications, big data and IoT," said Norihiro Suzuki, Vice President and Executive Officer, CTO of Hitachi. "By joining Open Invention Network, we are demonstrating our continued commitment to open source technology, and supporting it with patent non-aggression in Linux."

OIN's community practices patent non-aggression in core Linux and adjacent open source technologies by cross-licensing Linux System patents to one another on a royalty-free basis. Patents owned by Open Invention Network are similarly licensed royalty-free to any organization that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System. The OIN license can be signed online at http://www.j-oin.net/.

About Open Invention Network

Open Invention Network (OIN) is the largest patent non-aggression community in history and supports freedom of action in Linux as a key element of open source software. Funded by Google, IBM, NEC, Philips, Red Hat, Sony, SUSE, and Toyota, OIN has more than 2,400 community members and owns more than 1,200 global patents and applications. The OIN patent license and member cross-licenses are available royalty-free to any party that joins the OIN community. For more information, visit http://www.openinventionnetwork.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

Contact:
Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Athletes Supported by Toyota Carry "Start Your Impossible" Movement and Reach for Gold at PyeongChang 2018

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More than 50 athletes from 20 countries supported by Toyota will compete at the Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games

Toyota City, Japan, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - As a Worldwide Olympic Partner and a Worldwide Paralympic Partner, the true challenge for Toyota and its President and CEO Akio Toyoda is to stimulate the 80-year-old company by reinforcing its core values and inspiring its 370,000 employees worldwide to help create a society where mobility is an opportunity for people to achieve their dreams. Sports are the ideal endeavour to do just that, especially with an event that unites across the globe.

"I have a profound respect for sports, which have a unique power to offer hope and purpose and inspire us all to never give up," said Akio Toyoda, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. "It is exciting to watch athletes from all over the world compete on a level playing field, where anything can happen. This concept, when carried over to society, means a place where everyone can participate and contribute, where people turn their weaknesses into strengths with optimism and a fighting spirit - and a strong and determined desire to improve and be better."

At PyeongChang 2018, Toyota, its affiliates, or distributors around the world will support more than 50 athletes competing from 20 countries in events on the ice, in the snow, or sliding down tracks. Among them are Toyota employees who have been able to continue training and practicing at the highest level while working at the company in Japan.

Taiki Morii (Japan, Para alpine skiing) decided to started sit-skiing after watching the Paralympic Winter Games in Nagano in 1998 while in the hospital following an accident. He has earned four medals from his participation in four prior Paralympic Winter Games. Riding his chair-ski that uses Toyota technology, he will ski for a gold medal at PyeongChang 2018.

Ayuko Ito (Japan, women's short track speed skating) is competing in her third Olympic Winter Games, after appearing in Sochi (2014) and Vancouver (2010). She is an employee of the Toyota Short Track Speed Skate Team.

Sumire Kikuchi (Japan, women's short track speed skating) will experience her first Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang. She competed in the 2018 All Japanese national championships and won the Ladies' 500-meter final in December. Kikuchi is a member of the Toyota Short Track Speed Skate Team.

Hiroki Yokoyama (Japan, men's short track speed skating) is another newcomer to the Olympic Winter Games. Yokoyama competed in the 2018 All Japanese national championships and won the Mens' 1,500-meter final in December. He is also a member of the Toyota Short Track Speed Skate Team.

Shoma Uno (Japan, men's figure skating) is having his first debut at the Olympic Winter Games at PyeongChang 2018. In December 2017, Uno captured silver at two separate events, one at the Four Continents Championships, and the other the All-Japan National Championships.

Satoru Terao (International Skating Union technical committee member) has attended and experienced four Olympic Winter Games previously as a medal hopeful and contender in speed skating. He will use his years of experience to provide support for the technical operations this year at PyeongChang 2018. Terao is a supervisor of the Toyota Short Track Speed Skate Team.

Additionally, Toyota has built relationships with athletes around the world in various disciplines. In selecting Team Toyota athletes, the company, its affiliates and distributors around the world looked for individuals that best reflect Toyota's core values: be caring; be a natural challenger; represent the kaizen spirit; have a love of learning and be curious; be honest with strong work ethic; be a team player; be accountable; be humble and thankful; and respect others.

Some of them shared their personal story at the Toyota Mobility Summit in Athens, held last October for the first time. Others are featured in a video series that is part of the company's global corporate initiative, "Start Your Impossible." New videos and television commercials will be introduced to a global audience during the events of PyeongChang 2018.

Andrea Eskau (Germany, Para cross-country skiing and biathlon), a hand-biker and Para-biathlon and cross-country skier who has won three gold medals in the Paralympic Games and received another gold medal at the Paralympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. Eskau competes with technologies developed by Toyota Motorsports GmbH in Cologne, Germany.

Eva Samkova (Czech Republic, snowboard) began snowboarding when she was six years old. She originally participated in freestyle events, but after a series of injuries, she found boarder cross to be a better fit. Samkova is the only athlete from the Czech Republic to ever win an Olympic medal in any snowboarding event. If she is able to defend her Olympic title at PyeongChang 2018, she will be the first woman from any country to win multiple gold medals in snowboard.

Seun Adigun (Nigeria, bobsleigh) competed in the 100-meter hurdles in the Olympic Games London 2012. In 2016, she formed the Nigerian bobsleigh team and will compete in the two-woman bobsleigh competitions during the Winter Olympics.

Belle Brockoff (Australia, snowboard) will be appearing in and representing Australia at her second Olympic Winter Games. Previously, she represented Australia at Sochi 2014. She took up snowboarding from the age of three and will compete at PyeongChang 2018.

Isabel Clark Ribeiro (Brazil, snowboard) is a veteran snowboarder, and one of the few South American representatives at the Olympic Winter Games. She represented Brazil previously, first at Turin 2006 and again at Vancouver 2010, where she was Brazil's flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. At PyeongChang 2018, Ribeiro will be competing in the snowboard cross event.

Carle Brenneman (Canada, snowboard) will compete in her first Olympic Winter Games, in the snowboard cross event.

Jane Channell (Canada, bobsleigh skeleton) will represent Canada for the first time at the Olympic Winter Games. She started the sport of skeleton in 2011.

Chloe Trespeuch (France, snowboard cross) won the bronze medal in the snowboard cross event at Sochi 2014. She is chasing her dream of a gold medal at PyeongChang 2018.

Lindsey Jacobellis (USA, snowboard) is a three-time U.S. Olympian and five-time World Champion, capturing the silver medal in snowboard cross at the Olympic Winter Games in Turin. In addition to an Olympic Medal, Jacobellis also holds the record for the most gold medals (ten) won at the Winter X Games by a female.

Hailey Langland (USA, snowboard) became the youngest snowboarder to compete at the X Games in 2017, earning a gold medal at the debut of women's big air. Langland looks to make her Olympic Winter Games debut at PyeongChang 2018.

Mitch Gourley (Australia, Para alpine skiing) has previously competed in two Paralympic Winter Games, at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, as a Para alpine skier. He has been named as one of the captains of the Australian Winter Paralympic Team at PyeongChang 2018.

Han Min Su (Korea, Para ice hockey) will be at his third Paralympic Winter Games. Previously, he was the flag bearer for South Korea at Vancouver 2010.

Arly Velasquez (Mexico, Para alpine skiing) is a veteran Paralympic Winter Games athlete and is one of the top skiers in the world, previously competing at Sochi 2014. He dreams of and is chasing the first Winter Olympic medal for Mexico.

Menna Fitzpatrick (Great Britain, Para alpine skiing) will be competing for the first time in the Paralympic Winter Games. Fitzpatrick is visually impaired and skis with her guide Jennifer Kehoe.

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Toyota Motor Corporation Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

MHI Delivers Aft Fuselage Panels for the First 777X, Boeing's Next-Generation Wide-Body Airliner

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- Integrated Production System Utilizes the Cutting-Edge Equipment -

- Delivery ceremony held at the Hiroshima Machinery Works Eba Plant on February 7
- Productivity enhanced with proprietary automated facilities, furthering development of the commercial aircraft business

TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has delivered the aft fuselage panels for the first Boeing 777X, Boeing's next-generation wide-body passenger aircraft. The panels were shipped from MHI's Hiroshima Machinery Works Eba Plant. Based on the development and supply contract concluded in July 2015, MHI continues to be responsible for the similar structural components as for the current 777 series, manufacturing the panels of aft and tail fuselages, and passenger doors.

A ceremony to commemorate the first delivery of the panels was held at the Eba Plant the same day. Many project officials attended the event, including Boeing representatives such as Eric Lindblad, Vice President & General Manager, 777X Program, Jason Clark, 777/777X Vice President, Operations, and others.

The Eba Plant, which formerly had been a steelworks factory, was renovated for aerostructures production with proprietary automated production lines developed by MHI, thereby improving quality, expanding processing capacity and enhancing efficiency. For the 777X, MHI introduced new specially-developed equipment for high-quality component manufacturing, and also aggregated various production processes that previously had been spread across several locations, utilizing integrated processing to shorten lead-times and eliminating other bottlenecks in the previous workflow.

Delivery of the first 777X airplane to airlines is scheduled for 2020.

MHI has developed and introduced leading-edge equipment for the international co-production of the 777X, and will continue to pursue further growth in the commercial aircraft business.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world's leading industrial firms with 80,000 group employees and annual consolidated revenues of around 38 billion U.S. dollars. For more than 130 years, the company has channeled big thinking into innovative and integrated solutions that move the world forward. MHI owns a unique business portfolio covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI delivers innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries from commercial aviation and transportation to power plants and gas turbines, and from machinery and infrastructure to integrated defense and space systems.
For more information, please visit the MHI Group website: http://www.mhi-global.com.
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: http://spectra.mhi.com.

Contact:
Joseph Hood, PR Manager Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Email: mhi-pr@mhi.co.jp Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168 Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

DOCOMO Adds Easy Storage Pick-up Service to its d living Service Lineup

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- Invests in trunk inc. through subsidiary DOCOMO Ventures -

TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and its wholly owned subsidiary NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Inc. announced today that they have invested in trunk inc., the creator of easy storage pick-up service "trunk".

DOCOMO started providing "d living" services under the concept of providing a "safe and comfortable lifestyle at a reasonable price" in July 2016, and added "trunk" to its service lineup in September 2017. In addition to regular daily-life and housekeeping support services, d living members (monthly fee: 450 yen before tax) can now use one box for free through "trunk" (Monthly fee: 500 yen before tax).

Until now, using "trunk" required downloading a dedicated app(1), however from January 31, 2018, users can access the service by visiting the d living website on their PC or smartphone.

DOCOMO also plans to work with trunk inc. to make "trunk" compatible with its other services such as d ACCOUNT, d POINT and DOCOMO payment services.

Going forward, DOCOMO will continue collaborating with its business partners to create convenient services that revolutionize customers' lifestyles as part of its "Declaration beyond" medium-term strategy.

(1) Please note that certain functions still require downloading the dedicated application.

About NTT DOCOMO Ventures

NTT DOCOMO Ventures, the NTT Group's corporate venture capital firm, aims to accelerate innovation for creation of new services, disruptive technologies and innovative processes serving as a primary channel for startup companies and venture communities on behalf of the NTT Group, Japan's leading ICT service provider. We proactively enhance cooperation with exceptional entrepreneurs on a worldwide scale by providing capital from our corporate venture funds and vast business development opportunities with the NTT Group companies. For more information visit https://www.nttdocomo-v.com/en/.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 65 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.

Contact:
NTT DOCOMO International PR Public Relations Department Tel: +81-3-5156-1366 Fax: +81-3-5501-3408 URL: www.nttdocomo.com Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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