EPISODEINTERVIEW
13

Even on the far side of the world, I want to do my best.

Konoike Mexico S. A. de C. V.

RIKU HIWATASHI

RIKU

HIWATASHI

While responding to changes in the times, I'll do my best not to disappoint and fall short of expectations.

The Konoike Group's only base in Latin America is its offices in Guadalajara and Silao in west-central Mexico, where it carries out equipment installation and engineering, largely for automobile industry customers, as well as forwarding, packaging and even can manufacturing. While our growth areas have been largely in equipment installation and engineering, we are increasingly focusing on our new core activities in construction. I'm still in my 20s, but it's been more than four years since I left Japan. I'm very fortunate to have a group of people here that I can talk with, and who help each other when we have troubles. Right now, I just do my best not to disappoint customers, much less go beyond customer expectations. That's usually the best we can hope for. Working in this country, it can be difficult to meet expectations. We're a Japanese company, we have to deliver quality, so I have to do my best every day!

RIKU

HIWATASHI

Freedom also comes with responsibility. It's very rewarding now.

The culture and customs in Mexico are very different from Japan. The Mexican staff are great people, but timeliness can be a little lax. Getting together the equipment and following rules was almost impossible at first. But, I'm always honest with both my customers and staff, so I want to do things honestly and in good faith. So I started out by doing things step-by-step, packing up the tools and washing the car with staff. My boss gave me the freedom to oversee the workplace, but it comes with responsibility. This is also very rewarding. I am also involved in the management activities of the company. This situation is a great opportunity for growth, so I've never wanted to go back to Japan.

RIKU

HIWATASHI

Our foundation is people. I'm happy when the local staff takes pride in Konoike.

I have to act in a way that is within my own responsibility now, and I'm thinking desperately while I'm not even sure if I'm making progress or maturing! Sometimes it's hard to know myself. But the Konoike DNA is something that is loved and highly evaluated by customers, so it's all about building trust. This is something even young people like me can understand, that the foundation is people. I think this is a company that brings together good people. Even here in Mexico, I believe that we should not destroy what those before us have created, and that I need to show my own style as well. While doing my best in the workplace, I need to take a professional stance regarding the business we are doing, and that, if we can think together about what our customers need for the future, we can then exceed customer expectations. I'll be very happy if the local staff I work with are proud about working at Konoike.