[Getting to Know the Job / Crosstalk]

My previous job was at an OEM manufacturer, where I was broadly responsible for the entire process from product design to customer delivery (design, evaluation, sales, etc.). I joined Archem as a development engineer to hone my expertise, and it was a new challenge. I was attracted to the "unconventional work" that allowed me to collaborate across departmental boundaries and take on new business development. Currently, I am also involved in new business development that goes beyond the scope of the seat pad business.

I gained diverse experience in the construction industry, and I wanted to combine the B2C perspective and on-the-ground knowledge I learned there with the chemical knowledge I acquired through my research as a student and at my previous workplace, to maximize my abilities and contribute to society. I applied to other companies as well, but ultimately I made my decision based on the atmosphere and compatibility of the people I met during the interviews.

I was attracted to this company because I could utilize my experience in developing printer supply parts from my previous job, and because it offers the opportunity to be consistently involved in the entire process, from upstream to downstream, from material development to mass production launch, which is a characteristic of development positions in the OA electrical materials division.

My main priorities during my job search were finding a company where I could leverage my experience from my previous job at a chemical manufacturer and deepen my expertise in procurement and purchasing. The fact that Archem has offices both domestically and internationally, offering opportunities for global work, was also a deciding factor in my decision to join the company.

In my previous job, everyone was responsible for a wide range of tasks, but in the case of developing sheet pads at this company, I felt that we were an organization where professionals with outstanding expertise in specific fields were gathered, so that you could say, "If it's this topic, then that person is the one."

As a chemist, I feel a great sense of accomplishment and joy when the materials I formulated myself take tangible form as "urethane" and go out into the world. I believe that the high level of technology, knowledge, equipment, and personnel that I inherited from my time at Bridgestone is what allows me to approach products from a materials perspective. Also, the impression I got from the interviews was that there are many people with good personalities, so I think it will be easy for new graduates and those who join the company mid-career to fit in.

I was amazed by the world of office automation equipment components, such as printer rollers, where precision down to the micron level is required. Even slight differences in electrical characteristics or component precision directly affect the printed image and the lifespan of the printer itself, so I truly understand the importance of the design work I'm responsible for. Furthermore, I'm able to be deeply involved in every step, from material selection and development to mass production launch on the factory line, allowing me to gain experience on the front lines of manufacturing.

I used to think that procurement was a job where results were hard to see, but since joining Archem, I've come to strongly realize the significant impact that decisions made by my department have on the entire business. This environment has also contributed to my sense of fulfillment, and I'm now approaching my work with an even greater sense of responsibility.

As mentioned earlier, I believe that individuals possess extremely high levels of expertise in specific fields. On the other hand, many people have a broad perspective that allows them to oversee our entire supply chain, from material design to product design, development, manufacturing, and sales, rather than just a single process. I think one of the good things about Archem is that we can collaborate without being limited to our own areas of responsibility.

The first quality is "integrity." Many people here face challenges head-on with unwavering dedication and work with consideration for others, even across departments.
Secondly, I think we have a strong emphasis on "on-site work." When problems occur, we have a system in place where employees work together as a team to resolve them, rather than leaving it to others, based on the principle of working on the actual site.

Many of the people here are knowledgeable and experienced, yet also very approachable. It's easy to ask for technical advice right away, and they're very helpful and supportive, which is incredibly valuable for a young employee like myself.

Communication is very active. At Archem, there are people of various ages and backgrounds, but I get the impression that everyone communicates well, transcending departmental and positional boundaries. Also, if you raise your hand and say "I want to do this," you'll be encouraged to take on new challenges.

I find it interesting when the results match my hypotheses, but I also find it fascinating when unexpected results occur. The process of trial and error, and figuring out "why" things happened, and building up that knowledge as my own, is very rewarding.

What I find most appealing is being able to play a part in people's lives through polyurethane and addressing environmental issues. At Archem, I can be involved in both core material design and product development that is closer to the customer, and I truly feel the excitement and fulfillment of that. Another attractive aspect is the environment that allows for autonomy, where I can be entrusted with everything from prototyping to evaluation right from the start of my employment. I can pursue the best solution by consulting with others based on my own ideas. I believe that the "great tolerance" that supports such challenges is what makes Archem so great.

It's incredibly rewarding to know that the products I design support business scenes all over the world. Furthermore, as an OA equipment development professional, I'm involved in every stage from material development to mass production, so I naturally develop a strong attachment to the products I work on.

It's about setting goals as a team and working together towards them. Also, we review our progress towards our goals every month, so being able to clearly see my own growth and achievements is a great source of motivation for my work.

I believe this company welcomes unconventional ideas, provided you have a positive attitude. It's an environment where opinions are respected regardless of age or position, so I encourage future employees to actively share their flexible ideas.

I believe that setting high goals and clearly visualizing what is needed to achieve them is the shortest path to growth. When it comes to things you're interested in, try them out first, and with flexibility, transform them into something positive; this will surely open up new opportunities. And I hope you'll cherish the impressions, intuition, and connections you make with people you meet through interviews and site visits.

The term "office automation equipment" might be difficult to visualize, but in reality, it translates into concrete products like printers that support business scenes around the world, making it a job to be very proud of. We would love to work with people who want to support the world with the products they help create.

Archem is a company that fully supports challenges. If you have a strong desire for growth, like me, to deepen your expertise while working on a global stage, there are plenty of opportunities. I think it's an environment I can recommend to people with that kind of mindset.