Leading the Charge in Innovation: Getting to know Mr. Kobe and the Industrial Product Centre
Mr. Kobe Kazuhiro, the Senior Director of Canon's Industrial Product Centre
In the realm of cutting-edge technology and imaging solutions, Canon has consistently stood out as a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of innovation. At the heart of this ingenuity is Canon's Industrial Product Centre, a division that focuses on developing state-of-the-art semiconductor and industrial products. To delve deeper into Canon's commitment to innovation and its aspirations for the future, we had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Kobe Kazuhiro, the Senior Director of the Industrial Product Centre.
Mr. Kobe, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you provide some insight into your journey at Canon and how you ended up leading the Industrial Product Centre?
Thank you for having me. My journey at Canon has been a remarkable one. I joined Canon in Japan over three decades ago, starting in a photocopier sales role, including a short stint in Sydney, Australia. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work on various projects across the Canon all over the world, from industrial sales support and planning in Japan to sales representative in the USA, before coming on board Canon Singapore in 2019 as a Senior Director, looking after the South and Southeast Asia market. My passion for industrial technology and innovation led me to the Industrial Product Centre, where I've been fortunate to lead a team of brilliant minds working in the semiconductor and industrial sector.
Tell us about your responsibilities in Canon Singapore.
I am managing all aspects of the Industrial Products Centre in Canon Singapore, exploring opportunities for expanding our business in the dynamic markets of South and Southeast Asia. My responsibilities include developing strategic business plans, managing the budget and resources, and ensuring that we deliver high-quality products and services to our customers. I also lead and inspire a team of talented professionals who are passionate about sales and service excellence, and who strive to create value and innovation for the industrial sector, leveraging Canon’s expertise and technology.
What are some of the usual challenges faced by your department?
The rapid pace of market conditions makes it challenging to predict the future of the market. We listen to the voices of our customers, partners, and experts to anticipate their needs and expectations. We also showcase our innovations and learn from others at various events and academic conferences. We are not just following the trends, we are shaping the industry.
Canon is renowned for its imaging and consumer electronics. Can you tell us more about the Industrial Product Centre and the specific products it focuses on?
Certainly. While Canon is known for its consumer imaging products, multi-functional devices and medical equipment, our Industrial Product Centre takes a broader approach. We are dedicated to developing cutting-edge industrial solutions that harness Canon’s technological expertise. Our main products are semiconductor lithography and sputtering tools. We also offer a range of other products, such as non-contact displacement sensor, vacuum components, and more. These innovations cater to various industries, from manufacturing to automation solutions, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, precision, cost-saving, and productivity for our customers. We are committed to helping them achieve their goals and create a win-win situation.
For example, in our latest product – a non-contact displacement sensor, it can measure velocity and length with high accuracy without contacting the moving object, using LED light. It is very versatile and can work on not only steel plate and pipe, but also paper, rubber, fabric, wood, and even food.
We offer a range of vacuum components that can meet the customer needs. We have various pumps, gauges, valves, and related parts for different vacuum levels, from low to ultra-high. We also have Helium Leak Detector and X-ray source that can find the smallest leaks of helium gas and generate powerful X-rays. These products are useful for various applications, such as testing the integrity of vacuum systems, inspecting the internal structures of objects, and more.
What drives the innovation behind Canon's industrial products?
Innovation is at the core of Canon’s DNA. We understand the market needs and challenges and design solutions to address them. We work closely with our customers to gain insight and tailor our products to their needs. This collaborative approach ensures our solutions are not just technologically advanced but also highly practical.
Looking ahead, what can we expect from Canon's Industrial Product Centre in the coming years?
We have a robust roadmap ahead. We are dedicated to creating more advanced, connected, and user-friendly industrial products. As the semiconductor market grows driven by AI, autonomous driving, data centers, and more, we aim to explore new avenues in the exposure and sputtering equipment businesses to meet the industry demand. We also foresee a huge potential for our measurement and vacuum component products in South and Southeast Asia.
