Premium Partner Spotlight: KAESER KOMPRESSOREN Co., Ltd. Japan
As Japanese manufacturers continue to expand their international operations and introduce specialised technologies from overseas, the demand for reliable compressed air solutions is evolving. Equipment sourced from Europe and the United States can require highly specialised compressed air and vacuum systems, creating a growing need for suppliers capable of providing both technical engineering expertise and international support.
In this interview Hitoshi Kawai Managing Director at KAESER KOMPRESSOREN Co., Ltd. Japan, the German specialist in compressed air technology, explains how changing customer requirements are shaping the company's business in Japan and why close connections between customers, local teams and international headquarters remain essential.
AHKJ: What makes Japan strategically important for KAESER KOMPRESSOREN?
Hitoshi Kawai: Japan remains one of the world's top five economies and an important market for industrial manufacturing. For KAESER KOMPRESSOREN, our business here extends beyond domestic projects. We also support international projects undertaken by Japanese customers as they expand their operations overseas.
AHKJ: What developments in the Japanese market are you currently watching most closely?
Hitoshi Kawai: One development we are observing is the growing importance of cross-border business. Japanese manufacturers are increasing their production activities outside Japan while also introducing specialised technologies and equipment from overseas into their domestic operations.
Some of these imported systems have specific compressed air requirements. KAESER KOMPRESSOREN supports customers by providing the compressed air solutions needed to operate this equipment, helping them integrate internationally sourced technologies into their production environments.
AHKJ: What is one strategic priority you are currently focusing on in Japan?
Hitoshi Kawai: One important area of focus is providing engineered solutions for highly specialised machinery.
For example, Japanese automotive manufacturers are introducing advanced testing equipment from the United States and Europe. These systems can require precisely controlled compressed air and vacuum systems. KAESER KOMPRESSOREN designs complete stations to meet these demanding technical specifications, such as interlock and control systems.
The number of suppliers in Japan capable of meeting all these requirements is limited, positioning KAESER KOMPRESSOREN as virtually the only provider capable of delivering such comprehensive solutions.
AHKJ: What particularly distinguishes KAESER KOMPRESSOREN in Japan?
Hitoshi Kawai: Our key strengths are the low cost of compressed air and the high reliability of our solutions.
More than 80% of compressed air costs come from electricity consumption. We therefore focus not only on the performance of individual compressors but also on optimising the entire station. Our intelligent master controller ensures that the entire station operates as efficiently as possible.
We use advanced analysis tools and our technical expertise to configure compressed air stations in ways that minimise operating costs. Reliability extends beyond the equipment itself to encompass the air quality of the entire station. This allows our customers to benefit from clean, dry compressed air at the lowest possible cost.
AHKJ: What value does the AHK Japan network and Premium Partnership bring to KAESER KOMPRESSOREN?
Hitoshi Kawai: Competition for qualified employees is no longer limited to other compressor manufacturers. Companies across different industries are competing to attract the people and expertise they need.
In this environment, AHK Japan provides an important platform for strengthening KAESER KOMPRESSOREN's reputation among people with an interest in Germany and German companies. Our Premium Partnership further supports our visibility within this community.
AHKJ: In one sentence: What makes German-Japanese business partnerships successful?
Successful German-Japanese business partnerships are built on strong relationships and close connections between customers, local teams and headquarters. — Hitoshi Kawai
