Taking a step towards overseas expansion! Automotive parts manufacturer challenges itself to develop new markets with additive manufacturing technology.Hamada Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Could you tell us what led you to introduce STANDAGE's automated trading service this time?

Our company primarily handles resin parts and mold products for the automotive industry. Our main clients include major automotive parts manufacturers, and we have steadily built our business. However, because the majority of our sales were concentrated in domestic customers, we were exploring the possibility of expanding into overseas markets. Around that time, additive manufacturing (a method of creating three-dimensional objects by gradually layering materials based on computer-generated designs) was gaining attention both domestically and internationally, and we felt that this technology could be a valuable asset. However, the lack of in-house expertise in trade practices and overseas sales presented a significant hurdle.

Amidst all of this, we were introduced to STANDAGE's "Omakase Trading" at a trade show, and we decided to implement it. The fact that it was a referral gave us confidence, and the fact that a STANDAGE representative actually came all the way to Nagoya and provided thorough support during the on-site meeting was a major deciding factor in our decision to adopt it.

What exactly did it entail?

"Omakase Trading" is more than just an "export agency." They properly translate and explain the appeal of our products and provide support right by your side during negotiations with overseas buyers. This is a major factor in removing not only language barriers but also invisible barriers such as differences in business practices.

For example, at a trade show held in Japan, a representative from STANDAGE accompanied us and accurately conveyed the product's features and the attention to detail in its manufacturing process when we communicated directly with local buyers. Thanks to this, we were able to approach our first overseas business negotiations with confidence.

What results have you achieved since implementing it?

Although it has only been about six months since its introduction, and we haven't yet reached an actual contract, the psychological distance to overseas business has significantly decreased. I feel that the biggest achievement is that we have been able to shift from a stage of "I don't know how to start" to a positive perspective of "What should we do next?" Currently, a project we are working on with STANDAGE to fully utilize the lamination machine has also started to move forward. This machine is a rare piece of equipment, with only three in Aichi Prefecture, and despite investing in equipment such as installing air conditioning in a dedicated room, we have not been able to fully utilize it until now.

With the support of STANDAGE, we plan to actively propose this machine to overseas markets, thereby recouping our investment and establishing a new pillar of sales.

What kind of support do you expect from Omakase Trading in the future?

Our company has a clear goal: to deliver results that exceed the initial investment cost of "Omakase Trading." In other words, this investment is made with the expectation of achieving that level of value. Next, we plan to move into a phase that will lead to tangible benefits, such as developing more specific sales channels and expanding exports of new products using our lamination machines. In particular, we expect STANDAGE to continue supporting us in practical matters such as price negotiations with overseas companies, transportation, and inventory risk.

To achieve overseas expansion with limited internal resources, it's essential to have a partner who will work alongside you, like a "hands-on trading" service, rather than simply outsourcing.

Comment from Mr. Higashihara of Hamada Industries

After encountering STANDAGE and experiencing business negotiations firsthand, and hearing directly from overseas buyers, I began to think, "Let's try exporting overseas," and "Maybe it's possible." Above all, everyone in charge is incredibly intelligent and answers my questions accurately. I have complete confidence that I can leave it to them.

As the next step, we would like to ask STANDAGE to continue to actively support us in order to realize concrete contracts and transactions and translate them into "numbers and results."