When Hilltop Technology Laboratory (HTL) launched its business in 2013, it had a simple vision: to serve U.S. companies like a good neighbor. Although the Japanese company ventured into a new market with no clients, Hilltop offered unique services that attracted 47 clients in its first year. This year, it has more than 350 clients.
“While most Japanese small and medium- sized enterprises expanded their operations in Asia, we knew that the U.S. needed our services. There is no service like ours here,” HTL CEO Yuki Yamamoto said.
Specializing in aluminum and plastic parts prototyping, HTP serves a multitude of businesses and industries, producing components for precision machinery, movie props and musical instrument parts with a quick turnaround time.
As the Southern California headquarters prepares for a move to a bigger facility, the company is also opening an office in San Jose to create presence in Silicon Valley.
“We opened our San Jose office in January as part of our growth plan. We promise a five-day turnover and we are expanding to keep this promise,” Yamamoto said.
When it is unable to meet the requests of prospective clients, HTP recommends other Japanese companies that can fulfill those job requirements.
“We want to support the Japanese market while contributing to the U.S. market. We play for both sides. We want to accelerate innovation. There are so many great companies in California, and we want to help them develop faster,” Yamamoto explained.
