We Are Tomodachi Winter 2018

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11Executive Chairman Tadashi Kiyokawa read about semiconductors in an economics journal and recognized the immense potential for growth in this world-changing industry. He then took it upon himself to study the equipment that was being used in the electroplating of miniature parts at that time and was able to find ways to improve the designs. Optimizing plating conditions through the use of self-produced materials of uniformly high standard, the company achieved inexpensive mass production with consistent quality. In 1982 it also established an internal Science and Technology Institute. Along with the use of various devices to measure and analyze the plating process, this has led to a near-zero fault rate.According to the CEO, Kiyokawa Plating Industry’s track record of having developed numerous proprietary technologies has led its clients to sometimes submit development requests so difficult that they appear impossible. The company rarely turns down requests, however, and often takes on a project even if it requires several years of development. CEO Kiyokawa explains, “Our pride and curiosity as engineers drives us to accept the challenge of difficult requests. Considering that seemingly wasteful processes of trial and error can eventually lead to marketable technologies and expertise, we don’t let short-term profitability guide our decision-making. We once tasked a new hire with a certain development request. He tried out methods that more experienced engineers had rejected as being too improbable to succeed, and he managed to find a clue for solving the problem that way. In order to accomplish something that has never been done before it’s important to be open to things that may seem like a waste of time at first.”Kiyokawa adds that “plating technology is a fascinating subject, as there are still aspects of it that are difficult to explain theoretically and many new discoveries to be made. Cutting-edge advancements in plating can contribute to biotechnology, medical treatment, and countless other fields. I hope that we’ll never lose touch with our spirit of exploration, so that we can continue to develop creative new technologies.”Fukui Pref.Fukui CityNagoya CityKyoto CityKobe CityOsaka CityMetal plating is used for various purposes. One of these is the preservation of material properties during the production of parts via a special plating that dissolves completely once a finished part has been assembled.Main advantages of metal platingRoughly 30 of Kiyokawa Plating Industry’s approximately 270 employees work in research and development. About 70% are nationally certified as plating technicians, pollution control managers, or handlers of poisonous and deleterious substances.President and CEO of Kiyokawa Plating Industry Co., Ltd. Born in 1964 in Fukui Prefecture. Graduated from University of Fukui Graduate School in 1989, and joined Fujitsu Limited the same year as a semiconductor engineer. Joined Kiyokawa Plating Industry in 1991 and has been serving in his present position since 2010.Dr. Hajime Kiyokawai) Improvement of appearanceii) Prevention of rust and corrosioniii) Added functionality— Surface hardening— Electric conductivity— Surface reflectivity— Improved durability— Water resistance etc.