By Sigrid Tornquist

Hivix Co. Ltd. manufactures a broad array of cold inflatables for the sports and leisure, medical and healthcare, and industrial markets. But in an ever-changing marketplace, companies need to be constantly pursuing new products, new applications and new processes. “We always keep in mind when contracting with a business: How will this product contribute to society, the good of the people and the good of the environment?” says Junko Takai, president of Hivix.

In response to the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, also known as the Kobe earthquake, Hivix is currently working on developing emergency products to be used in response to future natural disasters.

Sigrid Tornquist is a freelance author and editor based in St. Paul, Minn.