September 29, 2025

The story behind the development of "ADDCELL," a private booth that meets the needs of the times through "challenge" and "teamwork"

ADDCELL ADDCELL a private booth that was created by craftsmen on-site with attention to detail and with the user in mind. Universal design, quietness, and durability for transport - it is packed with ingenuity that will make customers feel glad to use it. This high-quality booth that meets the needs of the times was completed through the "challenge" and "teamwork" of the Kanto factory.

Production Division Kanto Factory Chiba Manufacturing Department Manufacturing Section

Tadashi Noguchi (painting)

Production Division Kanto Factory Chiba Manufacturing Department Manufacturing Section

Takaya Yoshida (packaging)

Production Division, Product Management Department, 4th Development and Design Department

Masanori Tanaka (developer)

Production Headquarters Kanto Factory Chiba Manufacturing Department Engineering Section

Mana Matsumura (Materials)

Production Headquarters Kanto Factory Chiba Manufacturing Department Engineering Section

Rina Uchiyama (Interview)

New products that meet the needs of the times — User-first design and on-site challenges

Uchiyama −−−Please tell us about the unique features of "ADDCELL" and the scenes in which you were involved.

Tanaka (Development): At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in demand for private booths. This meant we needed to develop a booth that was unique to the Itoki brand and full of originality. A major feature was the lack of a floor. There was a step at the entrance to the private booth, making it difficult to enter. By removing the floor and eliminating the step, it became a universal design that anyone could use. On the other hand, removing the step reduced the storage space for cables, so we had to adjust the gaps in the frame and walls so that the cables could be stored. As such, every innovation creates new challenges, and the development of "ADDCELL" presented many unprecedented challenges.

Matsumura (Materials): To manufacture new products, new materials are required. We had to make various arrangements with various parties to find out which partner companies could manufacture the products, and even if they could, whether they could ship them in time. This is because the time it takes to procure materials directly affects the manufacturing process.

Noguchi (Painting): Our role is to paint the materials as soon as they arrive, without any mistakes, so that they arrive in time for the shipping date. The curved R-shaped panels have a special shape, so they cannot be painted using machine power alone. As a correction process, we have to paint by hand in line with the machine's paint application. This is a challenge that is unique to ADDCELL. However, it is precisely because it is so difficult that we are proud that only we can make it. For me, it is a product that is very rewarding.

To achieve the same color, skilled techniques are required to sensitively grasp temperature and humidity and adjust the paint and application method accordingly.

After painting, the next step is packaging. Until now, I have been responsible for quality inspection of painted components, but I have never been involved in packaging work. At first, I had to memorize the different types of cardboard boxes. I had a hard time telling them apart. ADDCELL is a product that I have a lot of attachment to, as it has been a catalyst for my personal growth.

We remember the different packaging for each component and carefully pack each one to prevent damage.

Yoshida (packaging): The development staff explained to me why the packaging was done the way it was, and taught me the steps in detail, which motivated me to think, "This is an important role, I can't make any mistakes." I remember being able to work together with a large group of people to pack the items.

Uchiyama −−− ADDCELLhas also increased your involvement with other teams and new partner companies,so it seems like it's a product that connects people!

My child's brilliance. The finished product brings back memories

Uchiyama---ADDCELL was made possible through everyone's cooperation. What were your impressions when you saw the finished product, and were there any memorable episodes?

Tanaka (Development): When the prototype was successful, my love for it deepened, thinking, "This will be the best product ever!" In particular, we made four prototypes of the glass door. We were required to create a slim design that would make the glass surface appear larger, but if we made the door frame thinner, it would not be strong enough. We considered installation methods many times, and I was so happy when we arrived at the current design! Mr. Matsumura, who was in charge of the project, really helped us out with the repeated changes in materials.

A thin and sturdy glass door. It took many challenges to achieve both beauty and functionality. Notice how thin it is!

Matsumura (Materials): Procurement was difficult, but because we have a special attachment to each and every material, when we saw the finished product, we were deeply moved by how impressive it turned out. For example, when we look at a single sound-absorbing panel, we remember thinking, "We had more orders than we expected, and we couldn't possibly meet the customer's desired delivery date, but we had many meetings and managed to make adjustments," and when we look at the R-bent panel, we remember thinking, "It took three people from our manufacturing partner to bend it by hand."

Sound-absorbing panels are only available from a limited number of manufacturers, and R-bend panels require three people to make. They provide excellent soundproofing!

Noguchi (Painting): When I saw the finished product, my love for the product deepened. I believe that color is the first thing that catches people's attention. While many of ADDCELL 's ingenious features can only be appreciated by using it, the color is noticeable even to passersby who have never used it. Some colors are difficult to paint, so when a beautiful color comes out, it makes me feel happy knowing that "this will resonate with anyone."

White is the most difficult to paint. If it's too thin it looks blue, and if it's too thick it looks yellow.

Yoshida (Packaging): When I saw the finished product and photos of it being delivered to the office, I felt a sense of attachment to everything about ADDCELL and thought, "I'm glad I did this!" The fact that it was completed is proof that it wasn't damaged during transport, so I think it was worth it to carefully package it using not only cardboard boxes, but also plastic bags and cushioning material.

Uchiyama −−−Every part is filled with memories and affection for ADDCELL!

Love is shown even in the places you can't see—Key points of focus in new product development

Uchiyama---As a manufacturer, is there anything about the manufacturing process or pride of ADDCELL that you would like people to pay attention to?

Tanaka (development): High earthquake resistance! When an earthquake occurs, the booth will shake violently from side to side, a process known as "rocking," which can cause significant damage to the interior of the booth. To address this, we incorporated earthquake-resistant technology by attaching a sliding cover to the adjuster on the floor, which allows the booth to slide, thereby reducing damage from shaking.

"ADDCELL" survived two seismic intensity level 7 earthquakes during vibration tests

Uchiyama---That's a point that only the development team could have.

Noguchi (Painting): I'd like you to pay attention to two parts that aren't visible in the finished product. The first is the L-shaped hooks on the back of the R-bend panel. These allow the R-bend panel to be assembled without misalignment. Attaching the L-shaped hooks at equal intervals is also our job. The second is painting. In fact, even the inside, which is hidden once installed, is painted by hand. I want to convey that there is love even in the parts that can't be seen!

ADDCELL components cannot tolerate misalignment of a few millimeters or even slight scratches.

Yoshida (Packaging): In order to prevent damage to the product, the development team even carefully selects the cardboard boxes they use. Previously, we used single-layer cardboard boxes, but for "ADDCELL" we use a two-layer structure (double). It's an invisible innovation, but we hope you'll pay attention to the packaging, which has been carefully adjusted toprevent damage during transport!

"ADDCELL" is protected by cardboard made up of five layers of paper: front, corrugated, inside, corrugated, and back.
Everyone at the Kanto factory involved in "ADDCELL"

ADDCELL is not just a private room, but a product created to accommodate the various situations of those who work, study, and customers. Ease of use (floorless design), quietness, earthquake resistance, and the "love" of the workplace -- come experience these things for yourself.

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*The department, position, and system are those at the time of the interview and may differ from the current information.

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