Mitsubishi HC Capital Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Daiki Hisai; hereinafter referred to as Mitsubishi HC Capital) and First Loop Technology Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Tetsuo Fukunaga; hereinafter referred to as First Loop Technology), which provides DX solutions that realize advanced on-site operations in the manufacturing, logistics, construction, and social infrastructure maintenance fields, have entered into a capital and business alliance agreement (hereinafter referred to as the "Alliance").

Going forward, based on this Alliance, the two companies will provide comprehensive DX proposals for on-site operations, supporting everything from data-driven issue identification and improvement proposals to the implementation of integrated software and hardware solutions. This will improve on-site efficiency and productivity, while also contributing to the resolution of social issues such as labor shortages.

1. Background of the Alliance

In fields such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, and social infrastructure maintenance, labor shortages are becoming increasingly severe due to a declining and aging working population. Expectations are high for DX promotion to achieve automation, efficiency, and autonomy in operations through the utilization of data, AI, and digital technologies. However, because the work content and environment vary significantly from site to site, it is difficult to achieve sufficient results with uniform digital introductions, and DX implementation tailored to the actual conditions of each site is required.

2. Details of the Alliance

Based on this Alliance, the two companies will advance joint proposals for DX that contribute to improving on-site operations for customers primarily in the manufacturing, logistics, construction, and social infrastructure maintenance sectors.

Mitsubishi HC Capital will leverage its diverse customer base and financing functions not only to reduce the burden associated with equipment and system investments but also to provide integrated support from data-driven issue identification and improvement proposals to implementation, aiming to create new services and delivery models that streamline on-site operations through DX.

First Loop Technology will collect and analyze data on the movement of people and things related to on-site operations based on various sensor information and data linkages, and provide DX solutions that support on-site feedback and operational improvements using AI, as well as implementation know-how based on a "Gemba-first" (on-site first) approach.

Through this Alliance, the two companies will offer comprehensive DX proposals, contributing to the optimization of overall on-site operations and the improvement of on-site efficiency and productivity.

This Alliance utilizes the "Innovation Investment Fund*" operated by Mitsubishi HC Capital with the aim of creating new services and promoting the development of new businesses through open innovation with startups.

* News Release dated June 8, 2023, "Establishment of an Innovation Investment Fund with a Total Amount of 10 Billion Yen"

https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com/news/assets/pdf/2023060801.pdf

About the Mitsubishi HC Capital Group

The Mitsubishi HC Capital Group has over 8,000 employees domestically and internationally, primarily providing leasing and finance services for various equipment, facilities, vehicles, aircraft, marine containers, and railway freight cars in over 20 countries worldwide. Furthermore, the Group is expanding its business domains to include real estate revitalization and renewable energy businesses. By creating new social value together with customers and partners through these businesses, the Group contributes to solving social issues and realizing a sustainable and prosperous future.

For more information, please visit the Mitsubishi HC Capital website.

https://www.mitsubishi-hc-capital.com/

About First Loop Technology

First Loop Technology Co., Ltd. is dedicated to "Realizing Gemba-DX (On-site DX)" as its mission, providing highly effective AI solutions to a wide range of industries including manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure. The company optimizes cutting-edge machine learning (ML) and generative AI technologies for on-site challenges and unique environments, contributing to increased productivity and enhanced safety.

https://firstloop-tech.com/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership