The Construction Source America

Business World | February 2015 70 by our own set of systems and reducing en- ergy consumption by using our improved building envelope, this is the main technol- ogy here at Ichijo and we can use the same system here in the United States.” NATIONAL TIES An integral part of Ichijo USA’s upbring- ing in the North American market is due to its relationship with their suppliers. While the majority of the essential technology and products created come from the group com- pany in the Philippines, such as the windows, and radiant in-floor heating system, there are aspects which must be sanctioned under na- tional legislation. “Some products need to have the certifica- tion when you go and use them in the Unit- ed States market,” Ohno said. “This is why we send these items to the testing laboratory in the United States, so our products are all certified in the USA. For things like plumb- ing and the finishing products, we buy these from our subcontractors in America.”