ABOUT US LATEST NEWS PRODUCTS KITAMURA FEATURES MEDIA & EVENTS DEALER LOCATOR CONTACT US AKIHIRO "AKI" KITAMURA, PH.D.: PRESIDENT, KITAMURA MACHINERY CO WATCH PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Dr. Akihiro "Aki" Kitamura represents the third generation of his family to serve as the president of Kitamura Machinery Co., LTD. the premier manufacturer of horizontal, vertical and 5-axis machining centers. As President, Dr. Kitamura is responsible for overseeing both Kitamura Machinery Japan and Kitamura Machinery USA. Born in Takaoka-City on January 26th, 1959, Dr. Kitamura graduated Nippon University in March of 1982 and joined the company in 1984 as Chief Engineer. During this period his post-graduate studies included research at The Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, The University of Tokyo (today known as The Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo). He became General Manager of Kitamura Machinery USA in 1986, and was promoted to President of that division in 1989. He took on the additional responsibilities of President of Kitamura Machinery Japan in 2003. Dr. Kitamura sets the strategic direction for research and development that has resulted in the company receiving more than 300 patents and patents pending in precision machining design. Dr. Kitamura is also responsible for setting the vision behind the company motto, "Limitless Creativity," which underscores Kitamura's commitment to consistent product development that produces the most technologically advanced and reliable machining centers in the world. He has elevated the company's machining centers to new levels of quality, precision, and performance by combining leading-edge research and technology with hands-on attention to detail and craftsmanship. Awarded both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Nihon University in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Dr. Kitamura received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering from Osaka University In March 2008 and is currently serving part-time as an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Kanazawa University. Awards (1) 2001, July 29th: 33rd Annual Prize for the Machine Industry Design (2) 2002, Nov 26th: Annual Invention Award in Central Region from Toyama Pref. Governor (3) 2003, Aug 3rd: 1st Annual Monozukuri Nippon Grand Prize (4) 2003, Oct 6th: Annual Invention Award in Central Region from Toyama Pref. Governor (5) 2004, Nov 7th: Annual Invention Award in Central Region from Central Region Branch Manager (6) 2007, Sep 25th: Annual Invention Award in Central Region from Toyama Pref. Governor (7) 2011, Apr 18th: Certificate from Chief Office of Japan Patent Office for Distinguished Service for Industrial Property Rights System (8) 2011, Sep 19th: 5th Annual Monozukuri Nippon Grand Prize from Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry