Ready for the future: a new office for JRC | Alphatron Marine in Singapore

Alphatron Marine Singapore's new office is more than just a new building, it's a foundation for what comes next: a stronger organization, better connected teams, and a renewed ability to serve customers in a fast-evolving maritime industry.

A new chapter in Singapore: JRC | Alphatron Marine moves forward

Growth rarely happens quietly. At JRC | Alphatron Marine Singapore, it has been visible in every corner of the organization – from an expanding service department to increasing customer demand. The recent office relocation marks a natural next step: not just a change of address, but a deliberate move to support the company’s future.

At the center of this transition is Ryo Yajima, whose journey within the organization mirrors its international character. Since joining Japan Radio Company (JRC) in 2007, he has held roles across Asia, including establishing the Shanghai office between 2011 and 2014. After returning to Japan and contributing to the integration of Alphatron Marine into JRC, he focused on bringing integrated bridge solutions such as AlphaBridge to the Japanese market. In 2019, he relocated to Singapore, where he now leads the regional organization as CEO.

Under his leadership, the Singapore office has grown steadily. “Customers know how to find us,” he notes, “and they appreciate not just our products, but especially our service.” That growth, however, came with challenges.

Outgrowing the old environment

The previous office had become increasingly restrictive. The service department expanded to around fifty people, while the number of coordinators doubled to approximately twenty. Space became scarce, and operational efficiency began to suffer.

The warehouse in particular highlighted the limitations. Spread across multiple rented units with different owners, it lacked cohesion. A road cutting through the premises divided operations, even disrupting assembly work during heavy rainfall. Logistics were equally complex: large containers arriving from Japan would temporarily block access, requiring careful coordination – and sometimes last-minute adjustments when things didn’t go as planned.

These constraints made one thing clear: the organization had outgrown its environment.

One location, one team

The new facility addresses these challenges head-on. By bringing all functions together under one roof, JRC | Alphatron Marine Singapore has created a more integrated and efficient workspace.

Warehouse operations are now centralized, allowing for smoother handling of incoming shipments and improved day-to-day logistics. The ability to accommodate large containers without disruption alone represents a significant operational improvement.

Equally important is the return of an in-house showroom. Previously located at a separate sales office downtown, the showroom had offered a strong customer experience but at the cost of internal communication. When the sales team was later moved into the main office, that communication improved – but the showroom was lost.

The new location will resolve this trade-off. With a dedicated showroom integrated into the same building, customers can once again experience the company’s solutions firsthand, while teams remain closely connected, creating a more seamless interaction between sales, service, and customers.

Improving everyday life

Beyond operational gains, the move also reflects a strong focus on employee well-being.

The office is now located just minutes from an MRT station, significantly improving accessibility. In the past, employees working late often had no option but to take a taxi home after missing the company bus. Today, public transport offers a reliable alternative, making commuting easier and more flexible.

This accessibility also enables a better work-life balance. Employees who need a later start or have personal commitments in the morning can still reach the office conveniently, without added stress.

A move powered by teamwork

Executing the relocation required careful planning and, above all, teamwork. The warehouse transition took place gradually, while office staff completed their move over a single weekend.

On Friday, teams packed up their workspaces. By Sunday, with the help of moving crews and a large group of employee volunteers, everything was transported and reorganized. A simple but effective color-coding system ensured that equipment and materials were placed correctly from the start.

The effort paid off. By Monday, operations had resumed with minimal disruption. While some processes temporarily slowed, customers showed understanding, and service continuity was largely maintained.

“It was a real team effort,” Yajima reflects. “We’re very grateful for the support and flexibility everyone showed. We are very lucky to have such great people”.

Looking ahead

The new facility is not just built for today’s needs, but for future growth. With additional space available, the organization can continue expanding its workforce and logistics capabilities. Currently, around 30 percent of the space is leased to other companies, offering flexibility for future use.

Looking further ahead, Singapore’s strategic position as a global logistics hub opens new possibilities. With its efficient import and export environment, the location could play an even larger role within the global network – potentially supporting operations beyond the region, including closer collaboration with headquarters in Rotterdam.

A moment to celebrate

On March 24, the new office was officially opened with a festive event that reflects the company’s international identity. Blending elements from Japan, Singapore, and the Netherlands, the celebration symbolizes both continuity and change.

For JRC | Alphatron Marine Singapore, the relocation is more than a milestone. It is a foundation for what comes next: a stronger organization, better connected teams, and a renewed ability to serve customers in a fast-evolving maritime industry.