Among Kao’s segments are the Beauty Care, which provides prestige cosmetics, hair care and skin care products; the Human health Care, which offers health beverages, infant care and feminine care products; and the Fabric and Home Care, which sells household cleaners and laundry detergents. Kao also has interests in developing chemical products for use in diverse industries.
Kao was founded in 1887 but was incorporated only in May 1940. At present, its capital is estimated at ¥85.4 billion. As of March 31, 2012, Kao Group is the employer of 34,069 employees worldwide. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, Kao Group’s net sales were reported at ¥1,216 billion and net income for the fiscal year then ended was reported at ¥52.4 billion.
Aside from Yoki-Monozukuri, constant research and development is at the foreground of everything Kao Group is doing. The motto “Integration of Diversity” has inspired the Group’s R&D efforts in its pursuit of continuing innovation. The Group was cross-functional in its R&D projects by bringing together fundamental research and product research, plus the results of Yoki-Monozukuri to create innovative products that bring total customer satisfaction.
In spite of operating several factories around the world, Kao Group was able to maintain a high level of product safety through the commitment of all production bases to efficient production. Every customer uses Kao products with peace of mind knowing that the Group has undisputed commitment to safety.
Inspired by Yoki-Monozukuri, Kao Group values time so that all products are distributed with time as the essence. From procurement of raw materials up to the distribution of the finished products to the consumers, Kao maintains a single flow so that the supply chain is uninterrupted and shortage of supply is eliminated.
Kao Group’s sales efforts are comprehensive in that logistics networks are used to deliver information to develop effective sales strategies. This enables the company to uncover issues affecting the products, retailers, consumers and the company. Of course, everything is done from the perspective of the consumer as inspired by Yoki-Monozukuri.