Technical colleges and high schools
Supporting quality with technical expertise,
Creating the future through improvement
Seat Pad Business Technology Department, Seat Pad Business Technology Section
Mariko Nishigaki
Joined the company in 2020
Please tell me about your previous work experience.
I joined Bridgestone Chemitech Co., Ltd. as a new graduate in 2020 and was assigned to the Seat Pad Technology Department. In 2024, I transferred to the Seat Pad Business Technology Department at Archem Business Japan Ltd., where I am currently involved in technical work.

Please tell me about your current responsibilities.
At the Nabari factory's sheet pad manufacturing line, I'm responsible for improving the quality of mass-produced products and managing product hardness. Even when producing the same product, fine adjustments are necessary depending on conditions such as temperature and humidity, so experience and knowledge are essential to ensure consistent quality in the mass production process. Identifying the cause from various factors such as product shape and raw material temperature and devising the optimal solution is not easy, but there is a sense of satisfaction in solving each problem one by one. It's a job where I learn a lot every day and can truly feel the depth of manufacturing.
Are there any memorable experiences from your work so far?
I have particularly fond memories of the quality improvement project for a newly launched vehicle model that I was in charge of during my second year at the company. At the time, the Nabari factory did not have any molds for the target vehicle, so it was truly a start from scratch. I didn't have enough experience, so I received advice from within my department, went through a lot of trial and error, and received cooperation from many people, including going to other factories to check mold specifications. The experience of repeating trial and error almost every day has become the foundation of my current knowledge and skills, and has given me the confidence to overcome any difficulties I face.


What's the atmosphere and interpersonal relationships like at your workplace?
This is a friendly workplace where you can easily talk to anyone regardless of gender. If you have any questions, your colleagues will kindly support you, so you can work with peace of mind, and I feel that it's an environment where everyone is respected.
What do you feel are the essential or important elements required for your current job?
Because this job requires constant collaboration with other departments, the ability to understand others' opinions and clearly communicate one's own thoughts is crucial. I also believe that logical thinking skills—the ability to analyze causes and devise solutions—are essential.

What are the attractive aspects of Archem Business Japan?
One of the appealing aspects of our company is the sense of contributing to society by working with products that are so integral to people's lives. Because our products are used in a wide range of fields, including automobiles, home appliances, and housing, you can truly feel that your work supports people's lives and society. In particular, seeing a finished car incorporating the seat pads I worked on brings a great sense of accomplishment and pride. The ability to create products that directly impact people's lives is a major attraction of our company.
