Abstract

With no annual budget, billions of yen can be raised simply through a single approval document.

R&D themes are determined by the enthusiasm of their engineers.

There's no concept of failure; once they realize something isn't going to work, they take a step forward.

Here's the secret behind Nichia's continued rapid growth!

Creating high-value-added products—this is a pressing issue for Japan's manufacturing industry. So, how can we create added value? Nichia is one company that can offer clues to struggling Japanese companies. Having increased its sales 30-fold over the past 30 years, Nichia boasts high growth and profitability in Japan's manufacturing industry.

The source of this growth and profitability is its high-value-added manufacturing. A prime example is the blue LED, which was once said to be "difficult to achieve within the 20th century," and the white LED, a simple structure combining a blue LED with a phosphor. And let's not forget the blue semiconductor laser, which is even more difficult to develop than the LED. Creating groundbreaking products like these, and continuing to produce new products that are unmatched in performance and quality, is what gives the company its competitive edge.

Although it is now a major corporation, before it developed optical semiconductors it was considered just another local company. Yet, this company has managed to rival major corporations and successfully develop and mass-produce high-brightness blue LEDs, white LEDs, and semiconductor lasers.

Why is Nichia able to continue to produce high-value-added products? This book provides the answer.

Nichia stands in stark contrast to other companies that tighten management in an effort to increase profit margins.

An editorial committee member from Nikkei BP with 28 years of experience covering the manufacturing industry delves into the unknown secrets of the company's successful development management.

Author’s Information

Nikkei BP editorial committee member with 28 years of experience covering the manufacturing industry