Business World | February 2015 70 by our own set of systems and reducing energy consumption by using our improved building envelope, this is the main technology here at Ichijo and we can use the same system here in the United States.” NATIONAL TIES An integral part of Ichijo USA’s upbringing 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 company in the Philippines, such as the windows, and radiant in-floor heating system, there are aspects which must be sanctioned under national legislation. “Some products need to have the certification when you go and use them in the United 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 plumbing and the finishing products, we buy these from our subcontractors in America.” February 2015 | Business World 71 CULTURAL COLLABORATION With operations spanning Japan, USA, Australia and fabrication in the Philippines, Ichijo’s corporate culture is growing. A look at the numbers within their Asia division proves how global - and vast - Ichijo is. There are 3,200 employees working on both ends in Japan and a staggering 12,000 employees in the Philippines spread across the factory and administration. A cultural melting pot, the United States division’s numbers are small; 10 in total that includes everyone from designers and project managers to marketing and sales. Utilizing their resources effectively and creatively, the team comes together to unify under a common cause - the Ichijo philosophy. “Our culture here is a mix of Japanese and American,” Tovel said. “We combine both cultures and it’s a nice relationship and working environment. There’s a lot of innovation and possibility to incorporate your own ideas and getting your input in there since we’re such a small company. The technology is fun and exciting, especially for the Pacific Northwest area.” As the United States division picks up steam, Ichijo is now building in Australia as well - further expanding their cultural identity and innovative product to more diverse markets around the world. THE FUTURE As custom homes go, the ideal that build it and they will come doesn’t always guarantee success. But as Ichijo USA continues to build and design homes their way, they remain focused on the quality, the products and their energy efficient technologies as a means to challenge convention, change the minds of progressive yet conservative North American home buyers and what it means to live in a humble, happy and healthy home. “One of the important topics that we talk about in Japan is how to expand our business in the United States,” Ohno said. “In the next three to five years we’re planning to reach 300 to 600 to even 1,000 homes per year and are looking for new opportunities in other states like Oregon and California.” The evolution of the custom designed home is here, and it may be coming to a city near you. DECEMBER 2023 THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AMERICA - WEST
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