Over the last 11 years, Mitsuru Nakata, President & CEO of Nakata Manufacturing, has led the company into its second century of innovation and growth. As the fifth-generation head of the family-owned business, Nakata has transformed the company, integrating cutting-edge technology and engineering excellence to stay competitive in the evolving manufacturing landscape. Successfully blending tradition with modernity while embracing technological advancements, Nakata’s strategic vision and commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation have positioned Nakata Manufacturing as a leader in the global market.
In an exclusive interview with Business Frontier, Nakata discusses how the 100-year-old company adapts to market shifts by merging hardware with software for innovative solutions, and emphasizes the importance of fostering a creative culture, maintaining core values of integrity, and continuously focusing on customer satisfaction.
Q. Can you share some highlights of your professional journey and the experiences that have shaped your career?
I have been with Nakata Manufacturing for the past 10 years. Before joining the company, I worked at a Japanese trading firm where I was responsible for finance, accounting, and project management. It was quite different from the manufacturing industry, but I found my way to Nakata after my father encouraged me to join. At first, I wasn’t particularly passionate about manufacturing, but as I gained experience, I grew to appreciate the engineering, design, and innovation involved in our industry.
Q. You mentioned that your father encouraged you to join Nakata. Did you always have a dream of working in this field, or was it more of a natural progression for you?
To be honest, I didn’t always dream of entering manufacturing. My father’s influence played a big role in my decision to join, but initially, I didn’t understand the full extent of the industry. However, over the past decade, I’ve come to realise how important and meaningful this field is. I’ve developed a deep respect for the engineers and designers who create the machinery and technology that power our world. It’s a very rewarding career.
Q. Nakata Manufacturing has been around for over a century. How has the company adapted to changing times while preserving its legacy?
Nakata was established over 100 years ago, and I’m currently the fifth generation leading the company. Our founder’s philosophy of integrity and reliability remains central to our operations today. While the industry has evolved, we’ve maintained a commitment to innovation, always seeking to apply new technologies in our products. Our legacy is built on trust with our customers, and that’s something we strive to uphold in everything we do. Despite changes in the market, our core values of integrity and contribution to society guide us forward.
Q. How do you ensure that Nakata remains innovative and competitive in the market, especially given the challenges the manufacturing sector faces today?
The manufacturing industry, particularly in Japan, has faced its share of challenges, including a declining workforce and reduced activity in some sectors. However, Nakata’s approach has always been to combine engineering excellence with cutting-edge technology. We’ve integrated both hardware and software into our solutions, which sets us apart from other manufacturers that may focus only on one or the other. By merging these two aspects, we create unique products that offer advanced functionality. Our goal is to motivate our team, keep them engaged with new ideas, and continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible in manufacturing. This combination of hardware and software is one of the reasons our products stand out in the market.
Q. What specific strategies do you use to foster a culture of creativity and new ideas?
At Nakata, we prioritise creating an atmosphere where free discussion is encouraged. We want our staff to feel empowered to trust their potential and knowledge. It’s also crucial that our team loves what they do, as passion often leads to innovation. We strive to set concrete goals and paint a clear picture of the future, helping our employees see the value of their contributions. By showing them the potential of our company and industry, we inspire them to aim higher and think creatively. I believe that innovation thrives when people are motivated and see the bigger picture.
Q. In terms of technological advancements, how do you work towards improving your offerings?
We are actively implementing the latest IT technologies and software solutions to provide our customers with higher-value services. For example, we have developed a system that collects data from our machines and monitors their current status in real-time. Through this system, we aim to help optimize our customers’ operations and enable preventive maintenance. Additionally, if any issues arise on-site, analysing the historical data allows us to implement appropriate measures. Furthermore, we believe this will enable us to provide more accurate and rapid service support even for remote locations.
Q. Nakata Manufacturing has had an impressive legacy. How do you maintain a balance between preserving this legacy and adapting to modern demands?
Our philosophy of integrity and reliability, which has been passed down through generations, remains at the heart of our operations. However, we also recognize the need to innovate and adapt to changes in the industry. Our company’s success lies in our ability to integrate new technologies while staying true to our values.
Over the years, Nakata has evolved from a company that was primarily into the blacksmithing of agricultural tools (forging) and signal safety for the Japanese rail business to one that designs and manufactures advanced machinery. We focus on continuous innovation, ensuring that our products meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. This balance between tradition and modernity is crucial for our long-term success.
Q. What sets Nakata Manufacturing apart from other companies in your market?
Nakata stands out because we don’t just manufacture machines; we design and engineer solutions that are highly customised to the specific needs of our clients. While some competitors focus on smaller machines or lower-cost options, Nakata, in addition to focussing on small-scale equipment, also specialises in high-quality, large-scale equipment, which requires significant investment.[1]
We are committed to providing excellent customer support, ensuring that our products have a long lifecycle and that we offer maintenance and parts replacement as needed. This focus on quality, reliability, and customer service helps us maintain our competitive edge in a challenging market.
Q. As Nakata expands internationally, how do you create value for foreign markets from Japan?
We leverage our extensive network of international partners, as well as our participation in global trade associations, to maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers around the world. For example, we participate in the ITA (International Tube Association) and attend major industry exhibitions in places like Germany every two years. These events allow us to showcase our innovations and stay connected with key players in the global market.
Although Nakata’s headquarters is in Osaka, we’ve installed our products in over 10 countries, and we’re continuously looking for new ways to expand our reach. Our long-standing relationships with partners and our focus on providing solutions that add real value to customers are key to our international success.
Q. How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially in a demanding industry like manufacturing?
Work-life balance is very important to me. While Japanese culture has historically been associated with long work hours, I think the younger generation is starting to embrace a healthier balance.
Personally, I find joy in spending time with my family. I have a young son, and I try to make time for him and my wife. It’s crucial to find harmony between your professional and personal life, and I believe that if you love both your job and your family, you can achieve a sense of balance. For me, a fulfilling career and a happy family life go hand in hand. It’s about loving what you do and finding joy in your personal life as well.
