Chris Alderson, President of Nippon
RFI Shielding KK
Courtesy of Chris Alderson
Chris Alderson
explains to Matt Wilce how his company cuts down on
electronic interference.
Tell me a little about
your company.
We design and manufacture radio frequency shielding gaskets for high frequency electronics
equipment. That' a fancy way of saying we make parts that prevent electronic interference
and stop devices such as mobile phones and laptops from causing havoc with airplane
systems and peoples pacemakers. Our shielding also protects devices from malfunctioning or
cutting out because of signals given off by other electronic appliances.
How did you get started in Japan?
I came to Japan four years ago with a degree in archaeology and only JY7000 after a fire
in Thailand destroyed all of my worldly possessions, and put an end to two years of
traveling through Asia. Intending to save enough to buy a horse in Mongolia, I started
teaching English and selling handicrafts in Inokashira park. I realized two things during
this time: that I could learn a great deal from Japanese culture and its work ethic, and
that there was a world of unexploited business opportunities here. Unable to afford
Japanese lessons, I took a low paid job in a small Japanese trading company for two years,
where I was immersed in both the language and business culture.
How did you start Nippon RFI Shielding KK?
I recognized the potential of a new technology developed by a UK company, RFI Shielding
Ltd, that had not yet been introduced to the Japanese market after seeing a magazine
article. I studied it, and carried out market research, but no Japanese company I
approached was willing to invest the million dollars required to start a production
facility. I then approached RFI Shielding Ltd in the UK, who subsequently funded the
venture in April 1999.
What kind of shape is the company in today?
Having equipped a factory and trained our first engineers, my sales activities bore fruit
when we received orders to make components for all of Panasonic's American mobile phones,
followed by all of Sony's phones for Europe and China. In addition we make various more
obscure applications for clients, which include the military. We now run 24 hours a day,
with nearly 30 employees, producing probably the best quality product in this industry in
the world. We expect further growth in the new year with sales of nearly three million
dollars.
And what kind of people are you looking for?
In addition to seven NC machine operators, I am seeking a dynamic, motivated Japanese
sales person. The job would involve visiting manufacturers on the cutting edge of the
Japanese electronics industry to introduce our unique technology. This will require
someone with a dynamic personality, a drive to succeed and the ability to earn the trust
of some of the world's toughest customers. Enthusiasm and a will to succeed are more
important than industry specific experiences.
