Tokyo, Japan , Feb., 18, 2003-- Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI)(TSE: 6302) has opened a new service office for its plastic injection molding machines in Czech and Poland.

Recently, automobile and electronics manufacturers have started into production in Central Europe. Many Japanese manufacturers are planning to start operation in this area in the near future, and it is assumed that molded plastic parts will also be manufactured locally. Accordingly, the local demands for high-performance plastic injection molding machines, such as our sophisticated, totally electric-driven models and models for producing optical disks are expected to increase there significantly.

In order to promptly respond to the demands for technical support and after sales-services, SHI has decided to open two service offices to greatly contribute our customers in this area.

The offices will be operated as one of the branch offices of SHI Plastics Machinery (Europe) B.V.

The opening of the two new service offices has expanded our sales and service network for injection molding machines compassed to 31 places in 19 countries overseas.

Reference: SHI Plastics Machinery (Europe) B.V. Address: Breguetlaan 10A, 1438 BC OUDE MEER, The Netherlands Tel : +31-20-65-33-111 Fax: +31-20-65-31-749 Operations: Head Quarters for sales, technical support, and after-sales service for plastic injection molding machines in Europe HP Address : www.spm-europe.com

About Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.(SHI) (TSE: 6302). Manufacturer and builder of ship and steel structures, material handling equipment, iron and steel manufacturing machines, forgings and forming machines, logistic and handling equipment, forgings and castings, cryogenic equipment, defence equipment, steel structures, electrical power transmission and control equipment, plastic processing machines, chemical process equipment and plants, waste water treatment and pollution control equipment, marine & leisure equipment; and real estate.