In an exclusive interview with TEIKOKU PRINTING INKS, GK spoke with President Nobunari Sawanobori the importance of collaboration in product development, the company’s hands-on approach to meeting client needs, and how its technical know-how continues to set it apart globally.
In terms of Japanese innovation and its concept of Monozukuri, what is it that gives the country a competitive advantage against other regional competitors?
We physically visit the client site and listen to them, and together with them, we try to come up with the product so that we can provide what they need at the end. That type of communication process makes us different from the other manufacturers.
How do you expect the demand for high-tech, functional inks to expand in the future?
One example is automobiles. In EV automobiles, of course, there won’t be any conventional style of speed meters; it’s all digitalized. Therefore, conventional speed meters tend to disappear. So, how we take part in that digital style speed meter is our next issue. That means we need a particular type of ink for the versatile area.
Which product segment is the biggest for you right now or which are you looking to expand into?
As far as sales volume is concerned, smartphone applications are the most significant sales volume at the moment. Also, we try to produce or develop new products and make suggestions for the customers for the application.
Where does collaboration come into play during your development process?
It used to be that the production of ink was very straightforward; color material, some polymer and solvent and then we mix it together. It was also about whether we could apply it on the surface the way a client wants to, and if it’s durable or not; a straightforward process. But now, the function that the clients want us to produce is very varied. Therefore, the client management criteria are getting more complicated.
As Teikoku is known globally for producing high-quality inks, what is your company’s competitive advantage?
Regarding our overseas clients, we often see some existing customers move companies. When they move to a new company, they recommend our products and this new company starts using our products. So, that is one of the examples of how our product spreads into the overseas market. But, of course, the reason why we are so competitive is because of the ability, effort, and technical know-how of our staff who produce the original color within the company.
