Yukio Iimura is a pioneering force in the global plastics machinery industry. Over a remarkable four-decade career at Toshiba Machine Corporation—later renamed Shibaura Machine Co., Ltd.—Mr. Iimura led groundbreaking advances in injection molding technology and championed the globalization of Japanese manufacturing.
After joining Toshiba Machine in 1980, he quickly made his mark as an engineer and development leader. By 1998, he had introduced one of the industry’s first user-friendly electric injection molding machines that retained the performance advantages of hydraulic systems. Under his leadership, the company expanded electric machine capacities up to 3,000 tons, establishing a new benchmark for large-scale molding technology that remains influential today.
In 2009, Iimura became the first company president to rise from the injection molding division, navigating the company through the aftermath of the global financial crisis. He introduced agile development and standardized platforms across product lines, significantly improving efficiency and shortening lead times. He strategically expanded the company’s global production network by establishing new factories in Thailand and India and existing facilities in China. His goal was to ensure a consistent manufacturing process across all locations worldwide, providing customers with reliable quality regardless of origin. This harmonized approach significantly boosted production volumes and strengthened Shibaura Machine’s global market presence.
Recognizing the early emergence of the emerging EV market, Iimura drove innovation in twin-screw extruders to manufacture lithium-ion battery separator films. In this segment, Shibaura Machine holds the top global market share.
As Chairman from 2017 to 2024, Iimura transformed Shibaura from a traditional machine manufacturer into a comprehensive solution provider. He restructured seven product divisions into three synergistic companies, fostering customer-centric solution development.
Iimura holds numerous U.S. patents related to injection molding technologies and has authored key publications on precision molding. He is a respected voice in Japan’s industrial policy, having served in leadership roles within several national economic and machinery associations.
Through visionary leadership, technical innovation, and global foresight, Yukio Iimura has made lasting contributions to plastics processing machinery and its role in modern industry.