Promoting Cultural and Tourism Activities with Laser Engraving

i PLANNING KOHWA Co., Ltd

Japan

Mr. Keiji Hirono, CEO of i Planning KOHWA Co., Ltd., has adopted two GCC LaserPro Mercury III laser engravers. He graciously shared with us the reasons for introducing the laser machines, how they are used in laser engraving, and the benefits they have experienced from their implementation.

Company Name: i PLANNING KOHWA Co., Ltd.
Major Business Items: Printing and Planning
Location: Okayama, Japan
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GCC Products: GCC LaserPro Mercury III laser engraver

What issues did you have before introducing the laser machine?

Our company primarily operates in the printing and planning sectors. In 2018, we launched a new business venture focusing on Goshuin and Gojoin (refers to a certificate of visitation issued by Japanese Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines).

At that time, collecting Goshuin and Gojoin had become a nationwide trend, and our high-value products received positive feedback from customers, leading to an increase in inquiries.

However, proposing new designs and concepts requires a lot of trial and error, and producing numerous samples. Relying on outsourcing for sample creation each time was a bottleneck due to the time and cost involved.

Model installed: GCC LaserPro Mercury III laser engraver

Why introduce the GCC LaserPro laser machine?

There was a strong request from the planning department staff to introduce a machine, which led us to consider its implementation.

We were familiar with Comnet from seeing live demonstrations of GCC LaserPro laser engraving machines at equipment exhibitions. Additionally, since they are located in a neighboring prefecture, we had the reassurance that they could quickly come to our aid if needed.

The introduction was also facilitated by the availability of subsidies for new business ventures due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped us reduce the initial costs.

What results follow laser machine installation?

In 2021, we introduced our first laser engraving machine GCC LaserPro Mercury III. This move not only helped reduce outsourcing costs through internal production but also advanced the development of new products. As a result, we gained new customers, and despite the pandemic, we maintained full operational capacity.

Most importantly, the introduction of the machine allowed us to freely create samples, significantly boosting the motivation of our planning department for product development. Our new product proposals have been well-received by customers, contributing to the revitalization of the local community.

In August 2023, we added a second machine of the same model, further increasing our enthusiasm for developing new products.

A goshuin stamp with intricate laser cutting

What are your prospects for the laser business?

With the gradual easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a resurgence in the popularity of collecting Goshuin and Gojoin stamps, accompanied by the revitalization of events and tourism activities.

With the introduction of our second machine, we aim to continue proposing high-value products by venturing into new product development and exploring new materials. We are eager to actively participate in tourism promotion events and contribute to local tourism and community revitalization efforts.

Our goal is to remain proactive in the laser business, aligning with the renewed interest in cultural and tourism activities to meet the evolving needs of our customers and contribute positively to our community.