Konoike Logistics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Konoike Asia (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
Director General Manager
XU LEI
We are involved in many activities centered around the integrated operations of our business centers in Shanghai and Changshu in eastern China. We want to further expand our business in the country, drawing on the opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative. In addition to international forwarding, domestic trucking and the Konoike Group's first warehouse in China, set in our temperature controlled distribution center, we are developing state-of-the art equipment and systems to provide high-value-added services. I was born in Wuxi, near Shanghai, and, with the help of my uncle, went to Japan in 1992, when I was 18 years old. There were days when I went to Japanese language schools and cried because I didn't understand the words at all, but I was interested in Japanese electrical products, which were really becoming popular at the time. So I studied hard, went to university in Kobe, became an employee of Konoike and returned to China in 2006. Since then, I have been involved in the development of our business in China, and I am now in a position to shape the organization here.
For example, when I'm mountain climbing, which I enjoy, it's not always about climbing right to the summit. There are times when you purposely descend. My work and my growth are the same. It's not just about going upward. If I encounter failure, I can always go back to the starting point and find what is needed to achieve the dream of reaching the summit. While I'm working to find the path that I think is correct, I believe that it's important to move one step at a time. Based on a bond of trust with the local staff, and, while working to create management that has its roots in the local community, we want to provide high quality service and disseminate the Konoike DNA.
The idea of providing added value. This is a key part of the Konoike DNA, which has been passed down through the years. Fully accomplishing our logistics work is a given. It's about then moving beyond logistics, to predict the future concerns of customers, and shape and provide new solutions. I think it means exceeding expectations. Customers face a variety of challenges: rationalizing logistics, reducing costs, improving productivity and more. That means that it is important to be close to the customer, and to resolve the issues that come up. Another part of our DNA is to provide reliable site safety. So there is a common phrase I use with my friends: "An quan hao". It has the same meaning as the Japanese phrase "Safety first", which we always use, but 3 years ago when one of the directors came to China, we said, "Let's greet the local staff in the local language." So after some thought, it was decided to use "An quan hao". Using this as a greeting helped to shorten the distance between us. We move ahead while improving small things at the workplace. I want to keep on holding to my dreams and contribute to society.
With my own hands, I am making things that are used all over the world.
Kashima BranchSteel Sheet Section
JUNKO
NISHIMURA
The strength of logistics contributes even at workplaces where people's lives are at stake
Konoike Medical Co., Ltd.Tokyo Office
Manager
HIROSHI
NAKATA
Exceeding our customers' expectations creates a very rewarding feeling.
K Sky Co., Ltd.Haneda Office
Head
MASAYO
YAMAMOTO
Following rules to protect quality. This leads to the power of trust.
Tokai BranchNagoya Nishi Office
Subgroup Leader
NORIFUMI
TSUTSUMI
Creating an environment that everyone finds easy to work in is an important job in itself.
Higashi-Nihon BranchOme Distribution Center
Subgroup Leader
TOMOMI
HIRUMA
There's no such thing as magic. Everyone must band together and head in the same direction.
Kanto BranchKamisu Office
Chief Leader
HIROYUKI
HARA
I want to overcome barriers with flexible thinking, in both work and the environment.
International Logistics (Osaka) BranchHiroshima Regional Office
Assistant Manager
MIHO
TERAGAKI
Our employees' approach and thoughts for our customers strengthen the brand.
Kansai Chuo BranchShiga Distribution Center
Office Manager
YASUHIRO
KANAMARU
Maintenance is not passive. By looking one step ahead, we can support our customers' high-quality manufacturing.
Kashima BranchSteel Plate Section
Group Leader
MASASHI
HIRANUMA
I want to use my long experience to provide new proposals for management, so that we can also help develop the next generation.
Kashima BranchSteelmaking Materials Section
YOSHIAKI
KOMAI
I think about how to move ahead for the sake of the sales office. I'm ready.
Higashi-Nihon BranchKunitachi Distribution Center
Group Leader
TOMOKO
AIDA
While working to create management with roots in the local community, we want to disseminate the Konoike DNA.
Konoike Logistics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Konoike Asia (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
Director General Manager
XU
LEI
Even on the far side of the world, I want to do my best.
Konoike Mexico S. A. de C. V.
RIKU
HIWATASHI
We will use our frontline strength to build an unwavering relationship of trust with customers.
Kanto Chuo BranchFujimi Office
Office Manager
YASUHIRO
FUKUSHIMA
After I choose my path, I want to look back with no regrets.
Kyushu Sanko Unyu Co., Ltd.Kumamoto Center
NARUMI
FUKUSHIMA
I take pride in being part of a “strength that never lets up” that is unmatched in Japan.
Higashi-Nihon BranchShibukawa Office
Packaging Group
Sub Group Leader
YUYA
SAITO
*The employee title and affiliation were as of the time of the interview.