The new head of Japanese electronics maker Sharp says the firm is going to put a bigger focus on home appliances in a bid to reverse its fortunes.
President and CEO Okitsu Masahiro said, "We can improve the value in our products with greater investment. And that way we can release a wider range of new and worthwhile items than ever before."
Okitsu took the helm in June after Sharp reported a net loss for a second year running. The poor result was mainly due to a slump in the firm's LCD panel business.
Okitsu conceded that Sharp's overall performance has been underwhelming. But he said the firm still has some products that are very successful in Japan. He gave the example of TVs and air purifiers.
Okitsu plans to expand Sharp's operations in parts of Asia and elsewhere where consumers will potentially start to spend more on household appliances, and to promote products with extra value in Japan, the US and Europe.
Okitsu says the firm may move its head office in Osaka Prefecture to the capital, Osaka City, to make it easier to hire staff.