Call for Collaboration Proposals] Changing the world's industries from the manufacturing frontlines! ｜RIX's Innovation Challenges

Helping the manufacturing site! What is RIX's original system of providing commercial products?

Please tell us about the business of LIX.

The RIX Group provides a wide variety of production goods, including machinery and equipment, measuring instruments, and consumables for production sites in the steel, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, rubber and tire, machine tool, environmental, pulp and paper, high-performance materials, food, and other manufacturing industries.The company is doing so.

Currently, the company has approximately 2,900 customers and 47 business locations in Japan and abroad.

Our job is to provide solutions, including commercial products, that address the challenges faced by our manufacturing customers. We contribute to the field of manufacturing by helping to improve productivity and promote efficiency.

We strive to provide optimal solutions that pinpoint the issues facing manufacturing sites.

The spark we sought in startups! Why we need open innovation

Q. What were some of the issues that led to the implementation of the accelerator program?

Ricks,"Manufacturer trading company."It is. It is an unfamiliar business form, isn't it?

Business development utilizing the four functions of "sales and trading company," "research and development," "manufacturer," and "serviceWe have been doing this for many years. We've been solving the problems of the manufacturing society by integrating each aspect of sales, technology, manufacturing, and service.

However,The challenges faced by our customers in recent years have been very diverse and complex.It is. In order to continue to meet the expectations of increasingly sophisticated customer issues,Utilize external wisdom and resources, not just internal explorationWe believe that it is important to

Our company has a challenge in manufacturing: we are stuck with our own technology and are unable to create new sparks. In order to break through the current situation, we have decided to take on the challenge of open innovation and hold an accelerator program.

What we can do because of open innovation with RIX

Q: What are RIX's strengths in promoting open innovation?

RIX's strength is its ability to respond to various needs in the industrial field.It is.

RIX, whose slogan is "Fusion of Analog and Digital," has not only the latest AI and IT technologies, but also has developed a sales office near the customer's plant so that the person in charge can directly enter the site and provide the customer with the latest information on the company's products and services.Customer contact points" where issues can be uncoveredThere are

I believe that having many customer contacts is one of our great strengths that enables us to accurately identify their needs, and to expand our options for open innovation.

Also, because we are a manufacturer that makes its own products,Possessing technological capabilities, human resources, and R&D sites that are superior to those of other companiesI also believe that RIX is an attractive place to live.

What do you value in open innovation with startups?

We have been to provide products and services that match the challenges of our customers,Proactively visit opportunities for startups to gather and create innovation.We have been working toward this goal.
This is not the first time we have collaborated with a startup.

We know that you start-ups are moving forward with your business with a sense of speed. We know very well that you do not have time to wait for the results of the monthly board meetings.

Such "difference in speed" is certainly a challenge for our company. However, we feel that being aware of the challenges is an important base for first engaging in open innovation.

In addition, prior to holding this program, we solicited business ideas within the company last year and received numerous opinions. I am pleased that we have a corporate culture that is eager to take on new challenges.

We would like to build equal relationships with startups by leveraging our past experience in collaboration.I believe that this is a good idea.

Manufacturing Processes Solve Global Issues

Q: What do you hope to achieve through this program and what social issues do you want to solve?

First,We want to create products and businesses that will become the next pillar of our earnings.This is the most important thought.
Currently, our main products are rotary joints (rotary couplings) and cleaning equipment, but our product lineup has not been renewed for decades.

We are looking for ideas that will enable us to create "services that expand the manufacturing process" based on RIX's technologies and customer industries.I would like to do so.

We have also decided to develop the Ricks Co-Creation Center as a new venue for the development of new products, goods and services. (Scheduled for completion in June 2024)

Our customers are also manufacturers, and the challenge to become carbon neutral by 2050 is not only an urgent issue that requires a global response, but also an opportunity for companies to improve their productivity.

This is the first time you are hosting an accelerator program,We would like to explore a wide range of possibilities for the creation of new products and services that can drive the promotion of the 3Rs in the manufacturing industry in the GX era and the transition to the construction of a circular economy.We think that this is a good idea.

What are your expectations for the start-up?

Passionate and energetic mindset.We would be happy to have you as a partner. Any stage of company is welcome, as long as you have the skills and passion.

On the other hand, we can be aware of the connection to business,With a balanced sense of *collaborative creationWe are seeking

We also hope that through our open innovation efforts, our employees will have a great opportunity to be inspired by the speed and the way startups see things.

RICs describes "co-creation" as "creating" solutions not only within the company, but also in cooperation with customers, suppliers, universities, ventures, and government agencies.

Tell me about the future Ricks!

Please tell us about the future that you would like to achieve and the challenges that you would like to take on.

Ricks,To contribute to the world's industries as a manufacturer trading company.We aim to

We believe that by solving the problems of our customers involved in the manufacturing industry, not only will they themselves be better off, but we also believe that creating new solutions in the field of manufacturing will lead to the solution of social issues around the world.

We will continue to take on challenges as a manufacturer trading company that continues to contribute to the world's industries.

interviewee

Mr. Taku Yasui　Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, RIX Corporation
Born in Saga Prefecture. Graduated from Fukuoka University with a bachelor's degree in engineering and completed graduate studies at Kyushu University. After joining a nonferrous metals manufacturer as an engineer, he joined RICS in 2006 and became a director in 2014. He then served as Deputy General Manager of the Business Development Division, General Manager of the Planning Division, General Manager of the Overseas Subsidiary Management Department, Chairman of Ruigos Trading (Shanghai) Co. He emphasizes "co-creation" to create solutions in cooperation with all internal and external organizations, and aims to contribute to industries around the world.