Interview about the initiatives of KURATECA
We asked Hiroshi Mizukawa, Executive Director of Kurashiki Kako, and Katsutoshi Ota, Head of the Business Strategy Planning Office, about the thoughts behind the new brand "KURATECA".
The positions are as of the time of the interview.
Please tell us about the business of Kurashiki Kako.
Mizukawa (no honorifics)
We provide products in various fields such as automobiles, industrial machinery, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and construction, centered around vibration control technology. Our products can handle everything from minute vibrations at the nanometer level to large shakes like earthquakes.
Additionally, regarding rubber parts used in vehicles, Kurashiki Kako handles almost all parts except for tires, from material development and design to manufacturing and sales, all in-house.
What is the important philosophy in your manufacturing?
Ota (no honorifics)
We continuously think about how to reduce vibrations that make people uncomfortable.
For example, if you closely observe playground equipment installed in parks, you might find a small part engraved with the name "Kurashiki".
We use our products to absorb and reduce vibrations so that children playing on the equipment do not get injured from strong impacts or feel scared. Although it may go unnoticed, it is certainly helpful. We aim for such manufacturing.
What thoughts do you have behind the brand "KURATECA"?
Mizukawa
While valuing the company name "Kurashiki Kako", we wanted more people to know about us. However, there are still many aspects of our technology that are not well known, and the name "Kako" does not easily connect with the image of vibration control.
That is why it is necessary to communicate to the world in a more understandable form.
To achieve this, we thought of a more accessible name by shortening "KURASHIKI KAKO".
The name "KURATECA" embodies our determination to continue to lead with technology.
The origin comes from "KURA" of Kurashiki Kako, "TEC" representing the technical capabilities of vibration control technology, and the first letter "A" representing the spirit of being a pioneer in innovation.
We would be happy if the local community could affectionately call us "KURATECA".
How do you want to engage with the local community in the future?
Ota
We believe that growing as a company will ultimately lead to contributions to the community.
We envision a management policy that adopts a common stance of "solving local issues together while also growing our company".
We want to create an environment where young generations can continue to work locally and engage in initiatives related to health and the environment, building the future together with the community.
Please give a message to the readers.
Mizukawa
Our products are used in places that are usually not visible. However, each one contributes to the safety and comfort of daily life.
I would be happy if you could think, "KURATECA might be used in this familiar place."
"Kurashiki Kako in everyday life." We want to continue delivering our technology from Kurashiki to the world.
Conclusion
What I felt through the interview is that "the ordinary life is not at all ordinary". The fact that we do not feel vibrations and can live in a safe daily life may be something that is hard to notice because it is protected, just like peace.
The technology of Kurashiki Kako supports that "invisible value".
Manufacturing that continues to protect daily life in unseen ways.
How about taking a moment to focus on such "invisible value"?
In the seamless daily life, "KURATECA" quietly continues to support our lives today.
Data of Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing and sales of rubber parts for automobiles, vibration-proof, soundproof, and cushioning equipment for industrial use, consulting, engineering, and other technology development and sales |
| Representative Name | Nishii Ikuya |
| Year Established | March 25, 1964 |
| Address | 4630 Yabara-cho, Tsurajima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-465-1111 |
| Website | KURATECA | Kurashiki Kako Co., Ltd. |
