2014

Sales organizations play a critical role in resolving customers' product development issues by showing them how Minebea products can support their goals. Assigned to Automotive Device Sales, Mr. Kota Iizuka works closely with automobile manufacturers. "Development projects for automakers can last three to five years, and that length of time makes it critical to build trusted relations with customers," he notes.

Mr. Kaoru Fujinaka, manager of the Precision Motor Business Unit, coordinates projects between the sales, development and manufacturing departments. Mr. Fujinaka shares product information and frequently collaborates with Mr. Iizuka and his department, which sells precision motors as a mainstay product. Mr. Fujinaka leverages his past experience in overseas sales. "In sales, we sometimes receive very challenging product specification and performance requests. In those cases, we don't just pass the requests to the development departments, but rather build an understanding of the customer's product development strategy and the background to their needs. Using this comprehensive understanding, we need to communicate the requests internally and smoothly execute projects."

Mr. Fujinaka supports Mr. Iizuka's desire to become involved with overseas sales. "That's an important challenge. The sales methods overseas are different, based on local culture and social customs. It might seem difficult at first because we can't rely on common sense to guide us, but that will make the experience even more valuable. Wherever we do business, we must respect the local culture with humility."