An inside view into OPTEX HQ: High-tech innovation meets tradition at the heart of Japan

Nestled near the scenic city of Kyoto and right beside the beautiful Lake Biwa – the largest freshwater lake in Japan – the setting of OPTEX headquarters is truly inspiring. For a company renowned for being at the forefront of the security industry, this tranquil and picturesque environment is in natural contrast with the high-tech innovation happening within the building.

This visit to OPTEX HQ was particularly special as it coincided with the company’s 45th anniversary. It was also my first visit to Japan, which I can certainly say is one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Well-known for its temples, rich traditions, hard-working culture, and respect for nature, it provided an enriching environment to explore the core values of OPTEX.

Walking into the innovation building

OPTEX’s headquarters is housed in a sleek, modern glass building located along the shores of Lake Biwa or Biwako, a location that seems to infuse the company with a sense of purpose and vision.

A large entrance and showroom welcome you into the building and introduce the visitor to the number of technologies and milestones achieved by the company since being founded in 1979. This space is also testament to OPTEX’s journey exploring the maximum potential of sensing technologies, addressing everyday societal problems and finding solutions. Through the live demonstrations and explanations of the different technologies and their applications, the visitor can get a great overview of the multitude of technologies available at OPTEX and how they contribute to creating a safe, secure and comfortable society all over the world.

A commitment to excellence: visiting OPTEX testing facilities

Inside the building, the modern office environment, testing facilities, and research labs reflect OPTEX’s focus on fostering creativity and collaboration. But beyond the infrastructure, the company’s commitment to core values – innovation and quality – is clearly evident.

One of the most impressive aspects of my visit was observing the extensive research and development (R&D) activities. Our R&D team works tirelessly to stay ahead in the industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The company's relentless focus on product development ensures that every product undergoes rigorous testing before it is released to the market. You may have heard this before, but to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability, OPTEX runs 150 different types of tests on the sensors! From weather and light simulations, to heat, vandalism attempts and more. Being able to watch our team of engineers meticulously work on fine-tuning our sensors, and witness some of the simulations and real-world tests, gave me even greater appreciation for why our products have earned a reputation for creating some of the most dependable security technologies available today.

The human element: a culture of collaboration

Beyond technology and innovation, my visit to HQ has been a great opportunity to meet face to face with colleagues in Japan. From engineers to the marketing and sales teams, everyone embodies a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. It is clear that OPTEX’s success is not just built on developing innovative and reliable technology, but on the passion and dedication of its people.

At OPTEX, we work closely with clients and partners to ensure our solutions resolve problems and meet the specific needs of each customer. The company’s customer-centric approach is a key reason for our strong reputation and global presence, whether it’s tailoring a solution for a high-security government facility or developing systems for homeowners.

A look towards the future

My visit to HQ left me with a deep appreciation for the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. These core values, combined with a talented team of people, ensure that OPTEX remains a leader in the security industry.

The future is full of exciting possibilities. Our products, which have always been known for their reliability and precision, are now smarter and more adaptable than ever. It’s exciting to think about the new developments that will emerge from our innovative R&D efforts in the years ahead. Stay tuned!