Japanese firm partners with Optima to manufacture components for aerospace industry

Hibiki-Seiki and Alberta-based Optima Manufacturing, announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership to jointly manufacture and supply high-precision machining and components for the North American Aerospace Industry.

“Thanks to the support of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and IAC (Invest Alberta Corporation), we identified Optima Manufacturing as the ideal strategic partner for us to establish our initial entry into the North American market and leverage both complementary manufacturing capacities to rapidly expand our collective business and capture new opportunities across the global value chain,” said Isao Matsuyama, vice president, Hibiki-Seiki. “This partnership will allow us to fill a major gap in the global supply chain of semi-conductors and meet the growing demand for specialized parts in North America’s rapidly expanding aerospace and satellite industry.”

This partnership is expected to generate $5 million in new business for the partners and create 10 new high-skilled jobs in Alberta over the next year, with up to 50 new jobs between the two companies within the next five years.

Based in Yamaguchi, Japan, Hibiki-Seiki specializes in reducing the weight of complex parts and components for the global semiconductor manufacturing equipment and satellite industry through its combination of turning technology and machining centres for thin precision metal cutting.

The partnership between Optima and Hibiki-Seiki hopes to benefit a variety of industries on a global scale by alleviating current supply chain issues of precision components while unlocking new opportunities for expansion. Hibiki-Seiki is considering expanding its investment in Alberta by establishing a physical presence with additional equipment and human resources working alongside the Optima team at its Calgary-based headquarters.

“We are elated about this partnership with Hibiki-Seiki, and to expand our global reach,” said Duane Hertzer, president, Optima Manufacturing. “Optima has been growing its global customer-base with clients throughout Japan, Europe, and other international markets. This partnership means we can take on new business opportunities at an accelerated pace by leveraging our combined manufacturing capacity and expertise. What’s more, is that it places us in an optimal position to generate new jobs back home in Alberta. We truly appreciate the support of Invest Alberta and JETRO in making this connection to Alberta’s supply chain and manufacturing advantage.”

Optima is a Calgary-based corporation, and it has been ISO-9001 certified since 2005 and specializes in the machining, assembly and kitting of small-to-medium-sized precision components for a globally diverse market of international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). Optima’s team is currently comprised of 52 associates and its global industry market portfolio includes energy, transportation, aerospace and process control.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Invest Alberta and Optima Manufacturing to Hibiki-Seiki’s entry into the North American market,” said Kimiya Nakao, business development partner, JETRO. “We intend to continuously support Hibiki-Seiki and other Japanese companies by helping introduce high-end Japanese technologies and promoting investment into new international markets.”

“This partnership between Hibiki-Seiki and Optima is a perfect example of how Alberta’s economy is being further diversified,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. “Their collaboration in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors presents new opportunities for Albertans. Our province is a destination of choice for business and I look forward to seeing more from Hibiki-Seiki and Optima in the future.”