#Japan #Tokyo #Punch Industry #Punchman #Punch Group

The Birth of Punchman: A Beloved Mascot for Punch Industry

Punch Industry Co., Ltd. is thrilled to announce the arrival of its official mascot, Punchman, a character that emerged from an internal contest featuring 140 submissions. This innovative approach involved all employees from the global Punch Group, demonstrating a united effort to cultivate a character they could all embrace and promote.

In an effort to foster communication within the company and enhance its image in various public engagements, Punch Industry organized an internal project. This initiative was born from an idea originating at the Hyogo factory, one of the key manufacturing sites in Japan. During the brainstorming process, the team aimed to increase engagement through a mascot that would not only resonate with employees but also serve as an appealing image at trade shows and recruitment events.

The Selection Process

Step 1: Project Launch

The project kicked off with plans to develop a mascot that would embody the essence of Punch Group. The goal was to elevate interaction among the 3,500 employees while simultaneously strengthening the company's presence to customers across 40 countries.

Step 2: Internal Open Call

The character design invitation was communicated globally across six countries, including Japan, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, attracting an astounding 140 submissions in just over a month.

Step 3: Employee Voting

To ensure a fair selection process, an extensive voting system was employed. The process consisted of two rounds: an initial vote to narrow down to 12 candidates followed by a second round. This structure ensured that smaller offices were not disadvantaged in representation, promoting a balanced vote across the board. Punchman emerged victoriously, consistently ranking in the top three among all participating companies.

Punchman's Features

Punchman serves as a symbol of justice, inspired by the name “Punch” referencing the origins of the company’s first product — a punch for drilling through printed circuit boards. His design reflects the company’s iconic “Genkotsu mark” as an homage to Punch Group's heritage. The eye's design cleverly simplifies the corporate logo, while his chest features a punch mark. Details such as the ear representing a button die and an antenna fashioned from an ejector pin showcase the group's commitment to their industry.

Character Applications

Punchman isn’t merely a decorative figure; he plays a functional role in the company's daily practices. From being utilized on morning meeting attendance cards to prints on cards for taking phone messages, Punchman enhances the workplace atmosphere.

Moreover, Punchman was prominently featured in health initiatives, such as “No Smoking Day” advertisements, promoting the company’s vigorous approach to employee wellness and public health campaigns. This reflects the belief that a healthy workforce is paramount to business sustainability.

Future Developments

Punch Industry has already completed the trademark registration for Punchman within Japan and plans to introduce him on various platforms, including the corporate YouTube channel and website. The company is also considering creating promotional merchandise for exhibitions and recruitment events to foster a deeper connection with the community. Moreover, muscle is being applied to register the character across the eight countries where Punch Group operates.

As a character representing the core ethos of Punch Group, Punchman is positioned to be an engaging and inspiring figure that embodies the company's values: trust in manufacturing, sincere technology, and creative freedom to shape a prosperous future.

About Punch Industry Co., Ltd.

Established in 1975, Punch Industry specializes in the manufacturing and sales of precise mold components and automation devices. As a leader in the molding component sector, they boast the highest market share worldwide in custom components, supported by exceptional metal processing technology.

With their commitment to Factory Automation (FA), Punch Industry continues to innovate while supporting global manufacturing behind the scenes. Their purpose, “Through trustworthy manufacturing, sincere technology, and free creativity, we shape a vibrant future for the next generation,” reflects their dedication to excellence.

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For further inquiries or details, please contact:
Punch Industry Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Office
Phone: 03-5753-3130
Email: [email protected]