Employee perspectives - Risa Kikuta

I'm an Applications Coordinator and connect engineers and customers.

Stepping into the unknown

Coming from a background in English and International Relations, I initially didn't think I'd find myself working in such a technical environment. My previous role focused on administrative support for a sales team, but joining Renishaw's ATG introduced me to a new world. I had to learn the intricacies of Renishaw's products, how they work and how they address customer needs, all while supporting a team of highly skilled engineers.

I started with schedule management for our engineers, but my role quickly expanded. From project management and CAD drawings to VBA macro and SQL programming, I began to embrace the technical side of the business. I even ventured into developing my own technical skillset and moderating customer events. Learning these skills was a challenge, but the team's support made all the difference. Renishaw's collaborative environment is truly inspiring — my colleagues are always willing to explain things patiently and support my development.

Supporting innovation

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is finding solutions to help our engineers work more efficiently. For example, when one of our engineers needed to manually input thousands of measurements into Excel during a customer visit, I developed a VBA macro to automate the process. Despite the tight deadline, it was immensely satisfying to deliver a solution that saved hours of time.

Being a part of events, whether as a presenter or moderator, has also been a highlight of my career. The grand opening of the Renishaw Nagoya Technical Centre (RNTC) in May 2024 stands out as a proud moment. This facility, with its showroom and application development areas, offers a unique opportunity to showcase our capabilities and technologies. Playing a role in such a significant event, including serving as an interpreter for our CEO, was an honour.

Looking ahead

Renishaw is perfectly positioned to help manufacturers balance the twin demands of speed and quality. As automation accelerates, I'm excited about the ways our technologies, from probing systems to robotics solutions, will empower customers across industries. Our products not only address the needs of large-scale manufacturers like those in the automotive industry, but they also provide scalable solutions for smaller companies navigating the challenges of manual processes and small-batch production.

Personally, I'm eager to continue learning and growing. Bridging the gap between our engineers and customers, while applying my own expanding technical knowledge, has become a passion. I believe that communication, curiosity and a commitment to understanding new ideas, are key to thriving at Renishaw. This is a lesson I would share with anyone embarking on their own professional journey here.

A team-oriented approach to the future

Renishaw isn't just a place to work; it's a place to grow. With the continued evolution of automation and our commitment to quality, I'm excited about what lies ahead — both for our customers and for myself.