Aiming to create a well-designed town Sign and display manufacturer's circular economy initiatives
First Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive sign, display, and digital signage company. With over 55 years of experience and know-how since our founding, we support our customers' businesses in a timely and effective manner by employing a system that integrates all stages, from planning and product development to manufacturing and sales. Our corporate philosophy is to create communities where good design enhances everyday life. We are dedicated to providing services and products that make our living more convenient, comfortable, and enriched.
Brand strength enhanced through awards and certifications, such as the Good Design Award
First Co., Ltd. has won Good Design Award for 11 series of our products, including standing signs, which has enhanced our third-party evaluation and credibility, and contributed to the creation of well-designed towns. On the technology side, we are a certified Aichi Brand company and have been awarded the excellence prize of the Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award.
Benefits of a highly versatile construction method
First's "4X Construction Method®" (a registered trademark) is a method of sharing basic product components (faceplate, pillar, base, joints) as standardized parts, enabling us to provide customers with signs and displays according to their size, color, and shape requirements. This method allows for efficient high-mix, small-lot mass production, with over 100 million possible combinations.
Due to the modular nature of the 4X Construction Method®, we can achieve made-to-order production with a short delivery time. In addition to reducing maintenance and management costs by eliminating inventory, we streamline repair processes with simple parts replacement, which improves maintenance efficiency. Furthermore, since the components are not welded or glued, they can be disassembled and replaced by hand, making them suitable for reuse and recycling. We implement a production approach focused on sustainability and efficiency and help customers respond flexibly and swiftly to market fluctuations.
Striving for quality that ensures safety and security in the community
Recognized for the quality and environmental management systems we have established, First is certified in both the ISO 9001 international quality management system and ISO140001 environmental management system. Panel stands and other outdoor signs in particular must be designed not only for appearance but also durability to ensure safety. To check the risk of signs' falling or breakage, we have an independent third-party architectural organization conduct durability tests (wind tunnel tests), testing against maximum instantaneous wind speeds to establish clear standards for safe use.
At First, we also hold internal company competitions, primarily among production group employees. We evaluate entries and make suggestions on practical structural aspects such as ease of assembly and resistance to breakage; this has even resulted in developing patents and utility models. Through such programs, we are making steady, rapid improvements in quality and durability.
Efforts towards SDG-focused products and community engagement
First conforms with all SDG targets and promotes them with the following initiatives.
8. Decent work and economic growth
First's system integrates all processes, from product development to procurement, production, and sales. Through this approach, employees grow while acquiring the skills needed to respond to any request made. This fosters a work style that leverages our strengths and expertise, supporting our evolution into a company committed to sustainable growth and adaptability to any market situation.
11. Sustainable cities and communities
As one element in revitalizing local communities, we use our own digital signage at bus terminals and other locations to share information from restaurants belonging to local shopping district promotion associations. One of our CSR activities involves conducting trash pick-up activities on the banks of the neighboring Tenpaku River. Through these efforts, we aim to build strong ties with the local community.
12. responsible consumption, production
With our 4X Construction Method®, First has established a manufacturing system that avoids surplus inventory and overproduction. This enables us to manufacture products only as needed, and in the precise quantities required, allowing us to continue to supply communities with convenient, useful products without overly impacting the global environment. In addition, the ease of parts replacement enables sustainable use of the products.