Staff Interviews

“Nagatsu's China operations started from zero and grew from a small company into a large one.”

Dongguan, China

李 翔

李 翔

Profile

Major: Office Automation; Industrial and Commercial Administration

Club: Street dance

Hobbies: Sports, singing

01Work

The Work, and Why I Joined

What does your job involve?

1-1: Trainee stage

In 1999 I came to Japan for the first time and joined Nagatsu as a trainee employee. Starting with the basics of molds, I spent a year training in each of the key related areas, from initial mold tryouts to the mold manufacturing floor, and then became a regular employee.

1-2: Early stage of my assignment in China

In 2001 I was transferred from Japan to China, where at first I was mainly responsible for and managed work related to the molding floor.

Building on my practical molding skills, and as the need for floor management grew, I served as assistant general manager and deputy general manager.

I supported the general manager in every aspect of the work, managing the company's operations and each department on the floor.

During that time, I handled a wide range of communication, coordination, and liaison work, covering the company's technical issues, management-level issues, dealings with government authorities, and more.

Through self-study, I also obtained Japan's Grade 1 molding technician certification.

1-3: Current stage of my assignment in China

In 2018 I was appointed director and general manager of Nagatsu Jin'an (Dongguan).

I led and managed the entire Dongguan factory project, including construction preparations, overall planning, the factory relocation, and transferring employees. In 2018 we completed the relocation without problems and began operating the new factory.

At this stage, I mainly run and manage the company as a whole. I plan, lead, and follow up on customer sales and a company-wide upgrade of our manufacturing capabilities (molds, molding, and painting).

My day-to-day work includes:

A: Developing new customers, building relationships, and handling customer meetings.

B: Overall planning and execution of manufacturing capability improvements across molds, molding, painting, and other areas.

C: Advance planning of the company's overall financial operations.

D: Attending technical meetings with customers (on new high-tech, high-end models).

E: Working, cooperating, and coordinating with the local government departments responsible for the factory site.

F: Planning the overall operation of the Dongguan factory.

G: Other duties.

What led you to join Nagatsu?

On my school's recommendation, I passed the on-campus selection interview for Nagatsu trainee employees and joined Nagatsu in 1999.

02Rewards

What Makes It Rewarding, and What Comes Next

What moments in your work have made you happy, moved you, or been fun?

Nagatsu's China operations started from zero and grew from a small company into a large one. We've come this far thanks to our customers' trust, the support of everyone at Nagatsu's head office, and the efforts of all our employees. What has made me happiest, and what makes the work worthwhile, is that the company has developed steadily, giving our managers a sense of security, and that with everyone pulling together we've earned customers' trust and grown significantly.

When I left my hometown and came to Japan, my senior colleagues treated me warmly. They often spent their own free time with me, drinking, laughing, and giving me advice about life. Thanks to them, what could have been lonely days were full and rewarding. I'm still filled with emotion and gratitude.

What I enjoy most is when the company and its employees both win. At the year-end party, seeing everyone drinking and having a good time is the best sight of all.

What has been hard in your work, or what are you struggling with now?

I've never felt that my work is a hardship. Even when things are tough, I believe I can get through it.

If I had to name a struggle, changes in the international environment, such as Japanese companies withdrawing and rising labor costs in China, have made winning orders harder for manufacturers like us that have mainly served Japanese customers.

Also, China's population is aging, retention among younger-generation employees is poor, and we're struggling to recruit workers.

In what ways do you feel you've grown through your work?

A: Growth in mold technology

B: Growth in molding technology

C: Growth in painting technology

D: By taking charge of the company's overall management and planning myself, I've acquired a variety of management methods and techniques.

E: Through many different experiences, I've been toughened in body and mind, and I've also grown emotionally.

What are your goals going forward?

I want to continue managing Nagatsu Mold (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Nagatsu Jin'an Precision Injection Molding (Dongguan) Co., Ltd., and do my utmost to keep the companies profitable.

At Nagatsu Jin'an (Dongguan), we plan to fully systematize management by 2022 and achieve automated production by 2025, and to keep working toward intelligent manufacturing.

03Workplace

The Workplace, and What Makes the Company Attractive

What is the atmosphere like at the company?

A: Since my trainee days, I've deeply respected and looked up to the excellent skills and work ethic of the senior generation. I resolved to follow their example and work even harder.

B: In the early days of my assignment in China, Nagatsu's head office was a reliable source of support. They supported us in every way, not just technically.

The company felt very warm, full of an atmosphere of mutual understanding and helping one another.

As the Nagatsu Group, with the head office at the center, I hope each site will build an atmosphere of understanding and cooperating with one another, and that we'll keep working hard together.

In terms of company strategy, I hope for an atmosphere where, on the premise that maximizing company profit is the top objective, we can think things through and consult one another.

What do you find appealing about the company?

Nagatsu has a long history and is heading toward becoming a 100-year company. Its mold technology is among the best in Japan's mold industry. The spirit of making things and the soul of the craftsman are Nagatsu's treasures. The Nagatsu Group has sites in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, forming a strong network. It makes products across a wide range of fields, and being able to provide everything from molds to molding and painting is a strength you won't find elsewhere.

What do you value most in your working life here?

It's important to build a system where everyone can communicate as equals and to bring out teamwork. Making mistakes is forgivable, but it's important to learn from failure and grow.

What I value most at work is the company running smoothly, good relationships among colleagues, and stability for our employees. Meeting everyone at Nagatsu and being able to work together is a special bond. When I joined Nagatsu fresh out of school, knowing little of the world, I threw myself into both work and study and kept pushing forward. I believe I've grown into the role of general manager because the company gave me valuable opportunities and my senior colleagues gave me so much guidance and support. I'll never forget this gratitude, and I intend to keep leading everyone in the company and do my utmost for Nagatsu's continued growth and development.

In my private life, I value my family's happiness and health, my friendships, and so on.

What kind of person do you think would do well here?

I think people who are punctual and keep their promises, who are honest and loyal, and who are ambitious and positive are a good fit.

Also, I find it easy to get along with people who enjoy a drink.

A Message to Applicants

Welcome to Nagatsu. Nagatsu is a big stage where everyone can make full use of their abilities and talents. I sincerely hope you'll become part of Nagatsu and build a bright future together with us. We look forward to welcoming you.

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