Honda Logicom has been a leader in the logistics sector for 60 years, taking special care of its customers and staff.
The heart of every logistics business is about delivering for every customer. Japanese firm HONDA LOGICOM Co., Ltd. has found success in the sector not just by knowing how to look after the biggest clients–but by putting people first. The company’s president, Atsushi Honda, extends his customer-focused business strategy further than most with a series of positive, community-minded strategies. These include a gourmet mushroom farm to support disabled workers, minority sports athlete sponsorship as well as local daycare facilities, business investment and even backing young entrepreneurs. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of monozukuri, which always prioritizes the best possible customer service and highest possible standards, the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) is also a keen supporter of its fellow SMEs.
“Our monozukuri philosophy centers around the goal of continual improvement. The satisfaction of our clients serves as our primary motivation for driving advancements and innovations,” said Honda. His business began by providing logistics for automotive giant Toyota, and it has drawn on the car firm’s renowned approach to trading while developing its own success story over the past 60 years. The company’s services include 3PL (third-party logistics) provision aimed at mail order and online fulfillment, as well as offering real estate management, storage, and freight forwarding. Looking ahead, the firm has a new strategy to help support Japanese business. “In the past, our business primarily revolved around major industry players, but I now firmly believe that SMEs cannot thrive unless they adapt logistics operations to meet changing demands,” said Honda. “This is why we’ve shifted our focus towards providing logistics services to fellow SMEs. The most viable approach is to blend analog operations with digitalization, which also sets them apart from major industry players,” he said. What sets Honda Logicom apart from just about any industry player is its attitude toward its workforce, community, and social responsibility. For example, in response to regulations requiring that a quota of staff positions be reserved for people with disabilities, the firm’s leadership was concerned that the physical demands of the job might not be suitable for some such workers. So, they took the revolutionary approach of starting up a whole new division to employ them.
In 2017, Honda was proud to open Kasugai Farm, where staff work to cultivate and market wood ear mushrooms, renowned for their unique taste and health benefits. “We identified a gap in the wood ear mushroom market, which relies heavily on imports from China. Recognizing an opportunity to create a platform for workers with disabilities, we ventured into this market,” said Honda. “The aim is to create an environment where everyone can shine, adhering to the belief that each person, with or without disabilities, can lead a vibrant and fulfilling life,” he said. The mushroom farm business draws on the firm’s logistics for online sales, and the president is delighted with the company’s success through its diversity. “I aspire to see all our businesses flourish. This synergy portfolio makes our company even more intriguing to watch in the near future,” said Honda.
