A Job That Makes the Most of My Skills

At a time when there is a growing call for the preservation of the global environment, our company designs and manufactures equipment for producing raw materials used in rechargeable batteries—a market that is expanding worldwide—and we find great social fulfillment in playing a role in the energy transition. To manufacture and deliver this equipment, we conduct tests to gather foundational data, incorporate the findings into our designs, and verify performance through commissioning after the equipment is built. Regarding how these tasks are carried out, our company assigns a single person to handle each project end-to-end under the guidance of a supervisor, with the goal of rapidly improving the technical skills of our designers. By gaining experience from the initial stages of equipment design through to final delivery, employees acquire a broad range of knowledge, which builds their confidence in applying these skills to future designs and fosters an even greater sense of fulfillment in their work.

I joined the company 15 years ago, hoping to work in the design department, because I was intrigued by the fact that this well-known local company in Itoigawa operates its own manufacturing plant and designs and manufactures custom-made products on a made-to-order basis—rather than producing standard catalog items. Within a few years of joining the company, I went on a two-month business trip to perform on-site commissioning and adjustments for products delivered to a client, and I also gained experience working outside of Itoigawa as needed, such as providing operational support at client factories. These business trips are essential for our company to meet our customers’ needs. Currently, we have Chinese and female designers working as full-time employees, and we are seeking motivated young talent regardless of nationality or gender.

In design work, it’s impossible to create drawings on your own. Since there are inevitably times when you hit a wall, you need advice from the team leader and your colleagues. As part of our daily routine, we openly explain the issues to the team and receive appropriate advice. When necessary, we also gather relevant input from the manufacturing department—beyond just the design team—and promptly incorporate it into our designs. There are no barriers to communication between departments within the company; information is exchanged closely, creating an atmosphere where problems are resolved quickly. I do not feel any stress related to maintaining communication within the company.