Overview
Goken successfully bridged language barriers, cultural differences, and technical challenges between a leading Japanese automotive OEM and a North American plastic parts supplier. By serving as an effective "bridge" through bilingual engineers, Japanese language translation and interpretation services, and coordinated global teams, Goken ensured smooth coordination, on-time tooling kick-off, and high-quality plastic parts delivery across three automotive projects involving 30 injection-molded components.
Challenge
The Japanese OEM encountered major hurdles in coordinating with its North American supplier due to persistent language barriers, deep-rooted cultural differences, and technical misalignment in plastic parts development. These issues threatened delays in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) activities, tooling schedules, and overall parts quality.
The North American client sought a reliable partner experienced in Japanese English engineering communication, OEM product series planning, and long-term relationships with Japanese OEMs. Goken was selected because of its expertise in Japanese language services (including translation and interpretation) and profound understanding of Japanese engineering and business practices.
Solution
Goken deployed an efficient global engineering support model focused on bilingual communication, cultural alignment, and technical precision:
Assigned one bilingual bridge engineer at Goken NIHON (Goken’s Japan office) to manage all Japan-side program activities and provide direct, nuanced communication with the Japanese OEM and client.
Assigned one senior engineer at Goken AMERICA to coordinate with Goken NIHON, the North American supplier, and the tool shop.
Leveraged CATIA V5/6 for advanced CAD modelling and engineering delivery.
A structured workflow and comprehensive RASIC (Responsible, Approval, Support, Information, Check/Consult) matrix defined clear accountability across Goken NIHON Goken AMERICA, Supplier Client, Tool Shop, and OEM — encompassing project management, drawing releases, tooling feasibility feedback, layout, modeling, and monthly reporting.
Results and Benefits
Delivered 100% on-time tooling kick-off for three projects covering 30 automotive plastic parts with zero quality compromises.
Eliminated requirements for client-side Japan presence or dedicated bilingual resources.
Allowed the client’s Project Manager to focus on strategic program oversight with minimal effort, backed by Goken’s seamless global support.
Strengthened collaboration efficiency and created new market opportunities for North American suppliers partnering with Japanese automotive OEMs.
Ready to eliminate language and cultural hurdles in your Japanese or Asian OEM projects and achieve superior engineering results?
Explore Goken’s Japanese Language Engineering Services →
With proven success serving Asian, Japanese, Korean, and American clients worldwide, Goken operates as a trusted engineering services company, supporting end-to-end engineering collaboration, and comprehensive program execution for automotive and manufacturing leaders.