Trade Advisor from Japan Visits Area
March 2002

Shinichi "Sam" Toyomoto, Arkansas' senior trade advisor from Japan, visited local manufacturing executives and government officials Friday.

Toyomoto toured manufacturing facilities of American Stitchco at Mountain Home, and Actronix, Micro Plastics Inc. and Volt Industrial Plastics Inc. at Flippin.

During a luncheon meeting in Flippin, Toyomoto told manufacturers that niche product markets offer some of the best opportunities for developing markets in Japan.

Japanese manufacturers generally look to manufacturers in Japan or China for items adaptable to mass production, Toyomoto said.

Don Ott, a regional customized training incentives team leader for the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, hosted Toyomoto's visit.

Ott said Toyomoto is employed by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to work with Arkansas businesses in the development of exporting agreements. Toyomoto works collaboratively with the Arkansas Department of Economic Development.

According to a JETRO marketing brochure, the JETRO representative's objective is to develop new export markets for Arkansas manufacturers in Japan by identifying businesses and products that show potential to succeed in Japan.

Ott said Toyomoto was interested in patented plastic fasteners manufactured in Flippin that may be suitable for niche markets in Japan.

According to JETRO marketing materials, JETRO Senior Trade Advisors have comprehensive career-based knowledge and experience in Japan's general trading companies, manufacturers or retailers. Advisors also provide businesses with information about the procedures involved in exporting to Japan and advice about how products might be improved or altered to win greater acceptance in the Japanese market.

Actronix Inc. at Flippin is a manufacturer of molded cable assemblies, wiring harnesses and higher-level assemblies serving leading original equipment manufacturers in the diagnostic medical, wireless telecommunications, servers and high-end networking sectors.

American Stitchco Inc. manufactures automotive accessories and components, specializing in products made of fabric, vinyl, or leather, which are stitched, heat-sealed, screen-printed, or embroidered. American Stitchco features state-of-the-art equipment including computerized design and cutting.

Ott said American Stitchco already is involved in exporting.

Micro Plastics Inc. and Volt Industrial Plastics Inc. both manufacture an array of precision plastic fasteners.

For more information, call or write: Shinichi "Sam" Toyomoto, JETRO Senior Trade Advisor, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: (501) 682-7342 Fax: (501) 324-9856.