This article is a tie-up with the Niigata Prefecture Federation of Small Business Associations and Manufacturing Support Centre.

Numerous attractive companies are active in Niigata Prefecture. This section picks up 'Change Leaders' who create new value by 'changing themselves positively'.

In the 11th edition, JMR developed the Solution Chip to facilitate smoother operations during cataract surgery. As one of the few distributors and manufacturers of medical equipment in Niigata Prefecture, JMR works extensively in cooperation with industry, academia and government.

We listen to the small voices on the ground and give shape to what we want.

The medical equipment industry is attracting attention as a growth industry amid the ageing of the global population. However, medical equipment ranges from consumables such as syringes and scalpels, to medium-sized equipment such as ventilators and large equipment such as MRIs and surgical robots. Many devices are specialised for specific applications, and small issues and needs lie dormant in the medical field.

This is why JMR focused its attention on cataract surgery, which is said to be performed on one million eyes a year. After hearing from doctors that the lens tends to get stuck in the suction tube, JMR devised a suction tube with a gradual edge in the suction port tube. A 2012 manufacturing grant(*) was utilised to develop the Solution Tip, a suction tube with edges that crushes and suctions the lens in stages. The product, which "reaches where it itches", received high praise for its suction and sustainability, and was commercialised. The product has been patented in Japan and the USA, and enquiries are increasing.

Monozukuri subsidy... Common name for a project by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency to support capital investment, etc. that contributes to improving production capacity.

It also participates in a medical device research group together with manufacturing companies in Tsubame City. By matching the needs of the medical field with the technical capabilities of the production area, new value is being created. So far, they have developed intra-ear surgical scalpels with complex shapes and instruments that have been coloured using a colouring process. We will continue to increase our presence in the ever-evolving medical industry, including by promoting the products we have created overseas.

Change1 / Solving problems during surgery! Development of equipment to efficiently sharpen the lens.

A manufacturing grant was used to purchase ultrasonic handpieces, holders and tip testers for attaching tips. Eleven different prototypes were manufactured using the technology of the partner manufacturing plant, which is capable of fine machining. Tornado shaped suction tubes were completed. The packaging design was also changed from the perspective of management, transport and storage. The opinions of doctors and others were taken into account in the development of easy-to-handle products.

• The strength of the chip can be checked.
• Buy 'Tip tester'.
• The tip is thus.
• Spiral step processing can be seen.

Change2 / Exhibit at an overseas exhibition and present in front of a large audience

We attended Medica, the world's largest medical device exhibition in Germany, where we had the opportunity to present our work on stage. When we asked an expert to check this script, he pointed out that a direct translation was strictly forbidden and we had to review it. After guidance, the script was completed in "more communicative English". The event was well received and people from China, Europe and the USA visited the booth.

• Interpreters also commented that it was helpful to have a script because they could not immediately respond to medical terms, etc.
• They said.
• Exhibit at the same booth as companies with which we have joint development projects.

Change3/ Connecting the needs of doctors and manufacturers with Tsubame's manufacturing technology.

The Tsubame Medical Device Research Association was started in 2011 with the aim of entering the medical device market. JMR acts as a link between the client and Tsubame's manufacturing companies. They find out what kind of products are required, bring them back to the research group and work on the development of prototypes.

• Now companies from other regions, such as Sanjo, are also participating.
• Developed by the research group.
• Medical devices with livery finish.

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Work with manufacturers and distributors in the prefecture to market the product to the world as an "all-Niigata" company.

Very few companies in Niigata Prefecture can handle both the manufacture and sale of medical devices. The medical device industry is divided into three main categories: the manufacturing industry, which produces medical devices; the marketing industry, which certifies their safety and effectiveness to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and sells them; and the sales industry, which wholesales approved products to hospitals. Taking advantage of the fact that we can handle everything from manufacturing to sales from a single company, we are working on prototypes of new devices together with medical device manufacturing companies in various parts of the prefecture. In the future, we would like to cooperate with distributors in the prefecture and strive to create an 'all-Niigata' system for selling products manufactured in Niigata.

Representative director Jun Sasazaki

Product pick-up 'Solution chip'.

Suction tip attached to the ultrasonic handpiece for use in phacoemulsification of cataracts. A spiral-shaped step inside the tip provides smooth and stable suction.

Company profile

JMR Corporation.

Founded in 2011 (Heisei 23) by Mr Sasazaki, the company's representative, who has long been involved in the development of medical equipment in Niigata Prefecture. The company is engaged in a wide range of activities, from medical equipment manufacturing and sales to OEM manufacturing and medical consulting. Its greatest feature is its integrated system, which handles everything from development to manufacturing. As one of the few companies in Niigata Prefecture that handles everything from manufacturing to sales of medical equipment, the company cooperates with industry, academia and government to create easier-to-use equipment.

Address: 641 Ohara, Nishi-po-ku, Niigata City

TEL : 0256-77-8808

HP : http://jmr-lab.co.jp/