11/12/2024 - News COPA-DATA Japan founded

COPA-DATA takes a significant step forward by establishing a subsidiary in Japan. With a focus on customer proximity and local partnerships, the new office will strengthen local support and drive industrial digitalization and automation in one of the world’s most advanced economies.

Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is at the forefront of innovation and industrial transformation. Facing challenges like an aging population and workforce shortages, the demand for automation and modern manufacturing solutions is rapidly increasing. The zenon software platform is well-suited to meet these needs, offering efficiency, regulatory compliance and sustainable growth opportunities. “We will continue to focus on building further relationships with end users and system integrators in the Life Sciences sector. Pharmaceutical machine builders are also of great interest for us and they will benefit from zenon’s worldwide proven capabilities in their field,” says Tadataka Une, Managing Director at COPA-DATA Japan.

Additionally, the company aims to develop opportunities in the energy industry, supporting Japan’s transition to renewable resources and grid modernization. “Japan’s energy market and industrial sectors are at a turning point,” says Christoph Dorigatti, Vice President (VP) Business Development at COPA-DATA Headquarters. “Our solutions are perfectly aligned to overcome the challenges in the energy sector. Additionally, the versatility of zenon will help to address the needs of the pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and automotive industries regarding modern digital automation.”

Strengthening local connections

Since entering the Japanese market in 2017 through a distribution partner, COPA-DATA has built a strong foundation with customers like Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Kyowa Kirin Suntory, Toyota Motors, and Panasonic. By establishing COPA-DATA Japan, the company can provide even closer support to its existing customers and foster new relationships with system integrators, machine builders, and end customers.

Stefan Reuther, Member of the Executive Board at COPA-DATA Headquarters, emphasizes the strategic importance of the new subsidiary: “This expansion aligns perfectly with our global growth strategy. By establishing local teams, we move closer to our customers and their challenges. Japan represents not only a significant market but also a vital opportunity to demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of zenon for modern industrial needs."

Clear focus and goals

Under the leadership of Managing Director Tadataka Une, the subsidiary will prioritize understanding global policies and tailoring them to Japanese business practices: "We aim to strengthen partnerships, bring the globally prospering COPA-DATA Partner Community to Japan and expand our market reach, particularly in the pharmaceutical and energy sector. Digitalization is vital for addressing the anticipated labor shortage on shop floor level in the near future and supporting Japan’s transition to global standards."

COPA-DATA Japan becomes the company’s third subsidiary in Asia, following successful market entries in South Korea and India. This move underscores COPA-DATA’s commitment to the region and its ambition to bring localized expertise to one of the most dynamic markets in the world. Its office will be situated in Shinagawa Grand Central Tower in Tokyo - a prime location that offers seamless connectivity across Japan via Shinkansen and air travel. This strategic choice ensures accessibility for customers and partners, reinforcing COPA-DATA’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in Japan.

The new office address:

Shinagawa Grand Central Tower 8F, 2-16-4 Konan, Minato-ku, 108-0075 Tokyo, Japan

Get in touch via: sales.jp@copadata.com