A leader in machine tools, Okuma Corp has played an influential role in China's rapid economic expansion and industrialization.

The Japan-based company, established in 1898, has developed machine tools supporting a diverse range of companies including the major players in the automobile, construction machinery, ships, aerospace and power generating sectors.

"At present, 20 percent of our total sales are from China. It is a huge market for us. In the next two years, we expect that 30 percent of sales will be from China - rising to around 40 percent in the next five to 10 years," said Okuma President Yoshimaro Hanaki.