Cosmotec: Expanding into Global Markets

By Cian O Neill

Founded in Tokyo in 1992, Cosmotec has become the leading ultra-high vacuum component manufacturer in Japan. The company caters to a wide range of quantities, from one-piece to mass production. Rather than customers having to develop their own parts from scratch, they can pull from a catalog of 8,000 standardized products. What’s more, Cosmotec provides a distribution service to ensure customers receive its products in a timely manner. Company President Taku Sekiguchi highlights: “E-commerce for parts and components is a very niche field, but with our 30 years of experience, we understand the kinds of products engineering firms require. Customers can order a certain product and have it in their hands the next day. This service is of huge value to our customers.”

Cosmotec also offers tailored solutions for customers with its ability to manufacture and engineer products. Mr. Sekiguchi outlines the bespoke process, explaining: “We listen very carefully to their request and what they want to achieve. Given our 30 years of know-how, we draw from our experience and create a unique product that meets the customer’s specifications. We first create a prototype, then we ask them to try it out and see whether the results can be achieved. Constant improvements are then made through trial and error, until we find a product that satisfies the customer.”

Vacuum components

In 2013, Cosmotec expanded its operations internationally, branching out to the U.S. market by establishing a local office. Based on its success there, the company is now looking to develop similar partnerships in other markets—specifically emerging nations. Mr. Sekiguchi spotlights the opportunities offered by the Indian market, with experts predicting that manufacturing will center around India in the next 10 years. Cosmotec is also actively looking for new partnerships with an open innovation model outside of Japan to increase its competitiveness in the global market.