Singapore – SATO, a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and a leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions, announced its financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2007. The consolidated sales for April to September 2007 was the highest ever for a half-year result of SATO, with US$365 million, up by 7.5% from last year’s, while the operating income was US$20 million, up by 9.7% from last year’s.

Outside of Japan, printer unit shipment marked a strong 50% increase from last year’s first half. The overseas sales grew 12% versus last year, driven primarily by increased deals from the transportation and retail industries in the US, and by the upward trend in the economies of Thailand and China especially in the manufacturing sector. On the other hand, the operating income (up by US$2 million from last year) was negatively impacted by continued restructuring efforts put into formerly acquired Checkpoint / METO businesses in Europe, which were necessary one-time costs for sustainable future returns.

“While the European restructuring remains as our key challenge, our business is growing strongly on a global basis and we are confident that all necessary restructuring measures in Europe can be completed within this fiscal year so as to further accelerate our growth momentum,” said Kaz Matsuyama, Managing Director of SATO International.

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*Conversion used in this News Release is based on an average exchange rate of : 1US Dollar = 119.39 Japanese Yen.

About SATO International
SATO’s international global headquarters, SATO International Pte. Ltd is located in Singapore. Previously an international division, it was incorporated as a holding company in Singapore in 2001 to oversee the sales, marketing and customer services activities of all its Group Member Companies. More information about SATO International can be found at www.satoworldwide.com