In the leather goods sector, the organization of the workshop is a fundamental aspect. This is also confirmed by the experience of Itagaki, a historic Japanese leather goods company specializing in the production of bags and small leather goods, which since 2012 has chosen and continues to choose product of ABC Equipment & Solutions to improve the efficiency and order of its workshop.
A collaboration born during the Simac Tanning Tech fair and grown over time with new orders, customized projects and a shared vision of the organization of work in the leather sector.
From the Simac Tanning Tech fair to a long-term collaboration
The first meeting between ABC and Itagaki took place in 2012, during the Simac Tanning Tech fair held that year in Bologna, Italy. The owner of the company, Emi Itagaki, was impressed by the ABC solutions, in particular the horizontal cabinet for the management of the dies to be placed next to the press machine.
The first purchase was the ABC horizontal cabinets after the Simac fair, designed to optimize space and keep the production department tidy and safe.
Since then, Itagaki has continued to purchase periodically new equipment to be included within its production site in Hokkaido in Japan.
The Japanese company was founded in 1982 and today has about 100 employees, 80 of which work in the production site. It mainly produces leather bags and small leather accessories such as wallets, diaries and key rings. It has 6 stores distributed throughout Japan, including airports.
Following a visit to the company by Emi and Kimiko in 2025, we interviewed them about their experience with ABC products in the company and the benefits they bring to the business process.
Why Itagaki continues to choose ABC?
The elements that have consolidated the relationship with the Japanese company over the years are listening to the customer’s needs, the better organization of the departments and the customization of the equipment.
As Emi and Kimiko Itagaki say: “ABC’s innovative solutions for the storage of cutting dies immediately caught our attention. In addition to cutting dies, leather trolleys also help us to keep the workplace cleaner and more efficient. As a result, it is easier to take care of our leathers and tools.“
One of the most appreciated aspects concerns the management of spaces. During the expansion of the production department, Itagaki requested custom-made leather trolleys to make the most of every available area of the workshop.
The care of materials has also become easier thanks to a more rational organization:
- dies and tools are always in place
- department is easier to clean
- operators quickly find what they need
- decreases operational stress during production
The advantages of an organized department in the leather sector
In the leather goods sector, order and ergonomics have a direct impact on the quality of daily work and safety for operators.
According to Itagaki leather goods, the introduction of ABC equipment has brought the following advantages:
- reduced component search time
- departments in order
- better conservation of materials
A quality also recognized in Japan
In 2025, Itagaki dedicated a space to ABC within its company newsletter, introducing the Italian company to its customers and collaborators.
In the article, Itagaki describes us as: “An Italian company that produces high-quality equipment, designed to ensure efficiency and safety in the workplace.“
An important recognition that confirms how ABC solutions are now appreciated not only in Italy, but all over the world by companies in the leather sector.
Equipment designed to grow with companies
One of the aspects that emerges from this case study is the ability of ABC equipment to adapt to the evolution of companies over time and listen to the specific needs of each customer.
Over the years, Itagaki has made purchases by integrating new solutions according to production needs and available space. An approach that reflects ABC’s philosophy: designing resistant and customizable equipment, designed to accompany the growth of production departments.
Today, the collaboration continues, with new requests for cabinet for heavy loads with a special drawer combination, which are ideal for storing the metal components used in the department.
A relationship built on trust
When asked if he would recommend ABC products to other companies in the industry, Itagaki’s response was immediate: “Yes!!“
A simple but significant confirmation, which tells better than any description the value of a collaboration built over the years through reliability, quality and concrete attention to the customer’s production needs.