MER MEC JAPAN GK

MER MEC S.p.A. was founded in 1969 as a manufacturer of agricultural machinery. Following the development of a non-contact inspection system for railway infrastructure in the 1990s, it has developed and produced systems and provided inspection and analysis services for railway companies around the world. Currently, the company has 14 offices worldwide and does business in about 50 countries, with an experience providing over 1,500 systems to more than 150 client companies. MER MEC emphasizes initiatives for the creation of innovation and invests 12% of its total sales to research and development expenses. It conducts joint development projects with companies of the same Angel Company Group, such as SITAEL (the largest privately-owned space engineering company in Italy and a worldwide leader in the small satellite sector, which provides turn-key solutions for Earth observation, advanced propulsion systems, on-board avionics telecom and science) and BLACKSHAPE (a developer and producer of high-performance two-seater carbon fiber ultralight aircraft for leisure and military training).

MER MEC began business in Japan through a trading company in 2014. In order to provide after-sales service to Japanese clients, expand sales channels, and conduct joint development projects with Japanese companies, the company set up a subsidiary in Japan. Mr. Aurisicchio explains about the company’s decision: “There is a very high demand among our Japanese clients, and they have very high technical requirements. Doing business in Japan as a local office was a challenge and opportunity for maximizing the performance of our products.” He continues, “We believe that the Japanese market is one of the most strategic markets in the world. As we often compete with major, established Japanese companies, particularly in the field of railway infrastructure inspection, how we can satisfy our clients through our products and services is the key.” MER MEC, which already has an office in China, considers the Japanese office as its headquarters in Asia. It aims to strengthen business in Japan as well as in Korea, Taiwan and Singapore in the future.

MER MEC, which engages in more than 20 international joint research projects around the world and works in cooperation with over 15 universities and research institutes, hopes that access to Japanese academic institutions will be improved. With JETRO’s support, MER MEC is making steady progress in talks regarding research with a Japanese university. MER MEC, which places great importance on research and development, hopes that the Japanese government and related organizations will expend more effort in facilitating joint development between foreign-affiliated companies and Japanese universities and research institutes.

MER MEC aims to increase its sales by 30% annually in the coming years. The Japanese office will focus on three areas to expand sales: sales promotion, cooperation with Japanese companies, and research and development. MER MEC is planning to introduce its systems to local lines other than the Shinkansen, potentially including those in disaster-affected areas in Tohoku, if negotiations with related authorities and local governments go well. “We want to strengthen our presence as a foreign-affiliated company by making approaches to the Japanese railway industry and related organizations,” Mr. Aurisicchio strongly asserts.

MER MEC plans to develop projects in new fields in cooperation with other member companies of Angel Company from now on. For example, 3D modeling of data collected using satellites and airplanes will enable the development of railway infrastructure management software that can prevent secondary disasters in the event of natural disasters. Earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions are threats familiar to both Italy and Japan. MER MEC is therefore considering investing in the establishment of a research and development center in Japan for this innovative project, which is also planned to be introduced in Japan.

(Interviewed in February 2018)