The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) showcased six companies from the Southeast, including Contrad International of Atlanta and T-Tech of Chamblee, in a publication about smaller companies that have succeeded in exporting to Japan.
Contrad is an exporter of furniture, rugs and giftware which now accounts for some 75% of its total sales from Japan. T-Tech manufactures high-tech machine tools and related software and is partnered in Japan with Iwashita Engineering.
JETRO attributes Contrad’s success to paying careful attention to customer feedback. T-Tech is cited for its willingness to respond to customer requirements, as well as for its good relationship with its Japanese partner.
Both companies modified their products for the Japanese market. Contrad adapted its furniture products, while T-Tech redesigned its product’s control box to accommodate a different voltage and changed its software to meet Japanese client needs.
The publication entitled “Success in the Making—How Small U.S. Companies Are Winning New Markets in Japan,” profiles more than 40 companies from throughout the U.S. and may be obtained from JETRO Atlanta’s office by calling (404) 681-0600.