Control Union Japan Co., Ltd.

• Japanese Page

Company Overview

Parent Company Location: Netherlands
Japan Office Establishment: 2009 (Head Office – Tokyo), 2023 (Lab – Kobe)
Address: 1-17 Koyo-cho Naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Business Activities: Biomass fuel quality analysis
Website: Control Union Japan Co. Ltd.

Interview

Control Union Japan Co., Ltd. was established in Tokyo in 2009 as the Japanese subsidiary of Peterson & Control Union Group, a Dutch company founded in 1920. As part of a group with over a century of history, Control Union Japan provides cargo inspection, international certification, and certificate issuance across various sectors, including agriculture, food, animal feed, and biomass fuels, ensuring highly reliable services.

In September 2023, the company established a new laboratory on Rokko Island in Kobe. This facility specializes in biomass fuel quality analysis, including wood pellets, making it Japan’s first dedicated biomass fuel testing laboratory. Leveraging decades of expertise and technical knowledge, the company delivers test results within 5 to 7 days, with an industry-leading turnaround time of as fast as 3 days—a process that typically takes 2 to 3 weeks at other companies. This rapid service enhances its competitive edge and allows it to meet customer needs efficiently.

For this interview, we spoke with CEO Jiro Omura about the company’s expansion into Kobe, the advantages of operating in the region, and the benefits they have experienced since their move.

Expansion into Kansai

Many of our clients, particularly in the textile and biomass power generation industries, are based in Western Japan. Sending examiners from our Tokyo headquarters would result in delays, but having a presence in Kansai allowed us to reduce transportation time for samples. While we did consider setting up a base in Kitakyushu, especially given our strong customer base in Kyushu, we felt Kansai would be a better choice for securing skilled engineers.

While the capital region has a wealth of talent, it is undeniable that it can be a challenging place to live. Our parent company is based in the Netherlands, and we place a strong emphasis on work-life balance for our employees. We are flexible in accommodating life stages, such as childcare and caregiving. To support this, we believe it’s important to offer a variety of work options. Compared to the capital region, Kansai offers shorter commutes and lower living costs, which makes it an attractive location for providing employees with a work-life balance. In fact, of the five employees currently at our Kobe lab, two work as analysis technicians while raising children.

Public Support Utilized During Our Expansion

Public support played a crucial role in our decision to expand into Kobe. Initially, one of our partner companies already had a base in Kobe, which lead us to research the area. During this process, we discovered the various public support programs available and began our establishment preparations while utilizing JETRO's temporary office.

JETRO Kobe(*): Temporary office space (50 working days, free of charge)
(*)Please check the JETRO website for details.
Hyogo Prefecture: Rent subsidies
Kobe City: Rent subsidies, property introductions, employment support

When we consulted Kobe City about office space, they introduced us to our current location. Since the facility had previously been used as a research lab, it required minimal modifications before becoming fully operational, helping us reduce initial setup costs. Additionally, we have taken advantage of rent and employment subsidies to support our expansion.
While we didn’t choose Kobe solely based on the available support, these various forms of assistance were certainly a key factor in our decision to expand there.

　　　　　

The Appeal of Kobe

Kobe is a compact city with excellent accessibility, as both Kobe Airport and Shin-Kobe Station are just 30 minutes from the city center and office areas. This convenience is one of the main attractions for doing business in the city.

Although the number of flights from Kobe Airport is currently limited, international charter flights are scheduled to begin in 2025, which will significantly improve connectivity and further boost the city’s international appeal. While Kobe may not be as well-known globally as a business hub, this could actually be seen as an advantage, making it something of a hidden gem for business.

Message to Companies Considering Expansion

CEO Jiro Omura

In today’s world, where businesses are concentrated in Tokyo, it’s important to establish offices outside the capital for risk diversification.
Many companies in the Kansai region are based in Osaka, but Kobe offers a unique potential that neither Tokyo nor Osaka can match.
With its abundant natural environment, Kobe provides an ideal balance between work and personal life, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a fulfilling lifestyle, both professionally and privately.

Contact Information

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kansai Bureau
International Investment Promotion Division
Address: 1-5-44 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8535
Phone：+81-6-6966-6033
E-Mail：invest-japan-kansai@meti.go.jp