In 1994, Nippon Mining & Metal Co., Ltd. started company-wide NPM (Nikko Productive Maintenance) activities. NPM was created by customizing TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) for Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd.
A special division for applying NPM was established in the company. The division was debating about how to increase the productivity of the clerical work department when someone suggested the introduction of Groupmax.