At the root of any successful working relationship, you will
find evidence of trust, communication and reliability. Each of
these traits has carried the decades-long relationship between
Textron Aviation and Kanematsu Corporation. Despite
international distance each party has found immeasurable value
in its counterpart.
Founded in 1889, Kanematsu entered into business importing
wool out of Australia. Since then, the company has developed
into an international business leader in Japan, holding five
domestic offices and 36 foreign offices. As a trading company,
Kanematsu handles a wide array of products and customers, and
supports the aerospace needs of the Japanese Ministry of
Defense. Through over 50 delivered aircraft and accompanying
parts to date, Textron Aviation continues to support
Kanematsu.
"Textron Aviation is always trying to get problems solved and
support the customers' mission."Mikinori Tsuyama, Kanematsu Corporation
What started with an initial aircraft delivery, has grown into
a vital aftermarket relationship. Textron Aviation is proud to
support Kanematsu and its customers through special missions
aircraft and modification necessities. To further understand
how this connection has flourished you must look at its
origins.
"In 1992 we delivered the first flight inspection aircraft, a
HAWKER 800 configured with an airborne special missions
system," shared Shotaro Fuse, Aerospace department manager for
Kanematsu. "Since then, we have continuously delivered Textron
Aviation special missions aircraft and parts for
modification."
"This started as two companies with the same ideals and
somewhat of the same dream," noted Marcelo Casenove, Director
of Special Missions Parts & Programs for Textron Aviation.
"Kanematsu is an extremely important customer for Textron.
There is excellent planning and efficient communication on
their part that has made our support consistent, and our
relationship thrive."
Seeing the importance of the relationship and how it has
evolved from both ends is not lost on Mikinori Tsuyama,
General Manager of Kanematsu's Aerospace Department. For him,
the achievements can be traced to effective communication and
a willingness to work together. “When we need to get a problem
solved, we collaborate together,” Tsuyama stated. "Textron
Aviation is always trying to get problems solved and support
the customers' mission."
Fuse agreed, citing the ability to solve problems while
working closely with Textron Aviation, saying, "I think the
biggest difference between Textron Aviation and other
manufacturers is that Textron Aviation listens carefully to
the needs of our customers and responds sincerely to them.”
Fuse went on to acknowledge Textron Aviation's ability to
engage in international business saying, "Textron Aviation's
familiarity with the Japanese government's way of doing
business is a great advantage. Through relationships with
customers, Textron Aviation has gained a great deal of trust,
not only because of the products, but through connections as
well."
While acknowledging the efforts to this point, there is an
excitement centered around the future. With continued success
envisioned, both companies see the importance of progressing
together and maintaining a trust earned over decades.
"If they don't succeed, then we don't succeed," shared Russell
Becker, Senior Customer Support Coordinator at Textron
Aviation, and a direct support to Kanematsu. "Working together
has built a trust that we both value. I am their voice here
and it is my job to push for results."
"Textron Aviation has remained reliable for a long time," Fuse
acknowledged. "We look forward to continuing to work together
as unique colleagues supporting special missions in the skies
of Japan."