Investing in Japan
Investment News
Jul. 25, 2008
Major German Aluminum Structural Kit System Maker, Item, to Open Plant in Osaka
In July 2008, Item Japan K.K., the Japan subsidiary of Item Industrietechnik GmbH, a leading German maker of aluminum structural kit systems, established its Japan plant in Osaka prefecture and relocated its head office to Izumi city, also in Osaka. The firm, which counts world-renowned German photovoltaic maker Q-cells AG as one of its main customers, has had a presence in Japan via a distributor, but sought to expand its business in the country by setting up operations in the Kansai region, which boasts a clustering of major photovoltaic producers, including Sharp, KYOCERA and SANYO. Item expects the plant, which will include a facility for product demonstrations and training, to be in operation by this November.
Item made use of support and services offered by JETRO’s Invest Japan Business Support Center (IBSC) in Osaka, including free temporary office space and help applying for subsidies offered by the Osaka prefectural government, as well as additional support in cooperation with the Osaka Business & Investment Center (O-BIC).
