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Seat Pad Business, Post-Processing Manufacturing Section
Koji Okubo
Joined the company in 1992
Please tell me about your previous work experience.
I joined Bridgestone Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in 1992 as a mid-career hire and was assigned to the Quality Assurance Department. Since then, I have gained experience in the Seat Technology Department of the Engineering Division, the Quality Assurance Office, and the Seat Pad Manufacturing Department, and since 2024 I have been working at the Midorigaoka Plant.

Please tell me about your current responsibilities.
Since joining the company, I have been in charge of quality assurance, utilizing my experience from my previous job. Since 2022, I have been entrusted with outsourcing management. While I have long had a trusting relationship with our business partners, this job requires a balance of communication and negotiation skills to maintain those relationships effectively while conveying our needs. Furthermore, in 2024, I transferred to the Midorigaoka office and took on the role of site manager. I find my current work, which allows me to interact with many people both inside and outside the company and build a wide range of relationships, to be extremely rewarding.
Are there any memorable experiences from your work so far?
My experience in quality assurance remains vividly in my memory. When defective products occurred, it was necessary to address issues with suppliers and implement improvements within the factory simultaneously, requiring rapid investigation of the cause and countermeasures. In particular, because we were handling automotive parts that could affect human lives, reporting to suppliers was always a tense experience. In that context, receiving words of appreciation from those who had witnessed my earnest efforts was a great encouragement, and I felt that continuing in that role was worthwhile.


What's the atmosphere and interpersonal relationships like at your workplace?
This is a workplace where we can cooperate as one team, transcending differences in position. Communication is active on a daily basis, making it easy to discuss problems and areas for improvement, and I feel that it's an environment where everyone can work towards the same goals.
What do you feel are the essential or important elements required for your current job?
In manufacturing, it's crucial to have a challenging spirit that doesn't settle for the status quo, constantly asking "how can we do better?" Don't be afraid of failure; proactively suggesting improvements and trying new methods will lead to your own growth and the development of your workplace.

What are the attractive aspects of Archem Business Japan?
I believe our company's strength lies in our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, never resting on our laurels. While we've cultivated our strengths over more than 70 years, we remain true to our roots and continue to strive for even better products. Our belief in the immense potential of polyurethane as a material, and our positive, proactive approach, is what allows us to maintain excellent relationships and build trust with our business partners.
