ARaymond Japan* plant sets high efficiency standards for industry

ARaymond Japan* plant sets high efficiency standards for industry

Image
ARaymond Japan* plant sets high efficiency standards for industry
Texte

State-of-the-art facility near Tokyo expanding capacity to supply fastening solutions to car manufacturers and non-automotive markets

Ergonomic workspaces, a multi-skilled workforce and lean manufacturing methods make the new ARaymondJapan plant one of the most productive of its kind in the whole of the Asia-Pacific region, according to the fastener company.

ARaymond**, one of the worldwide leaders in fastening and assembly solutions, relocated its Japanese operations to Hadano,60km west of Tokyo, after outgrowing its old building.

Nearly twice as big and built at a cost of 2.1 billion yen (€15.75 million), the 7,000 sq m plant is fully automated – its 23 molding machines and six assembly machines operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To upgrade working conditions for the 43 employees, there are spacious rest and recreational areas, insulation to reduce noise, and hi-tech eco-friendly systems to control temperature and humidity.

In the production area, the workforce helped plan and design their own departments to improveergonomics and incorporate lean manufacturing methods that save time and physical effort, optimize the use of materials and reduce waste.

“Our employees will spend more time in the workplace than they will at home so wewanted to provide the most comfortable working conditions possible,” said Yasuki Takenaka, Managing Director, ARaymond Japan.

“All our operators are autonomous and polycompetent, meaning they are multi-skilled and responsible for running their own projects. Our other objective was to create anopen, transparent environment that makes it easier forour people to meet, communicate andwork with each other.

“We believe this will foster greater innovation and ultimately help to increase efficiency and productivity per head. We are already one of the leanest, most modern automotive plants in the region.

“We hope the new plant will also help us to retain all our skilled employees, around half of whom have worked for the company for more than 15 years. We want them to stay with us until they retire, and evenencourage their sons and daughters to work for us.”

The plant, which became operational in August 2014, produces around 50 million quick connectors a year, mainly for fuel systems, and has the potential to boost output to 60 million.

Mr Takenaka said: “We are planning to increase our capacity by 5% this year and by between 10% to 15%over the next three years.

“The Japanese automotive sectoris shrinkingand ARaymond Japan is one of very few companies serving this industry that is expanding.The extra capacity will allow us to develop the next generation of value-added automotive fastening solutions, as wellserve growing markets outside the automotive sector, namely solar.”

For more than10 years, ARaymond Japan has kept a flawless record for timely deliveries, even during the relocation of production from the old factory to the new one. In that time it has also maintainedhighquality levels, with product defect levels in the region of 50 to 100 ppb (parts per billion), well above the industry average.

“Quality is of paramount importance to us because the parts and components we supply are classified as safety parts,” said Mr Takenaka.

“As well as improving productivity and efficiency, the new plant will ensure we maintain our very high quality and service levels, giving assurance and confidence to our customers.”

ARaymond Japan* plant sets high efficiency standards for industry

About ARaymond Network***

The ARaymond Network is a worldwide leader in fastening and assembly solutions for the automotive industry. Its products are used in the manufacture of nearly all vehicle classes, from city cars to luxury limousines. Other key markets are: Truck, Industrial, Energies, Agriculture and Life.

Headquartered in Grenoble, France, the ARaymond Network is made up of 37 independent enterprises located in Europe, North and South America, Asia and North Africa. Together these companies operate 22 production sites and employ 5,500 people. Six per cent of turnover is invested in research and development every year.

Established in 1865, the ARaymond Network has been a family-owned business throughout its history. Current CEO Antoine Raymond is the great-great-grandson of founder Albert-Pierre Raymond.

For further information, visit www.araymond.com

* “ARaymond Japan” refers in this article to A RAYMOND JAPAN Co., Ltd. – Registered N° :0210-01-020666  Shonan – Isehara-shi (JAPAN)which is the editor of this Article and is responsible for this Article and has a license of use of trademark.
** ”ARaymond” refers, in this Article, to the companies ("Companies") listed to the following link http://www.araymond-automotive.com/legal-terms that are independent companies of the ARaymond Network. These companies have a licence of use of trademark.
ARAYMOND™ is used as a trademark.
*** “ARaymond Network” means a network of independent companies.
“Article” means the information and any materials available in this Article including, without any limitation, texts, figures, pictures, datasheets, product descriptions etc.
This Article does not constitute an offer or an agreement of any kind. This Article does not constitute a technical note. The Article is provided «as is» and only for evaluation purpose. ARaymond Japan makes no warranty or representation whatsoever regarding the Article, its use or its suitability to meet specific needs. ARAYMOND JAPANDISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, NOVELTY, COMPLETENESS, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE INFORMATION, NOR THAT WILL ITS USE NOT INFRINGE ON ANY THIRD PARTY’S RIGHTS. ARaymond Japanis not liable for any incidental, consequential or special damages of any kind due to the use of the Article. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Except as expressly specified in these terms, nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring any license or right of any copyright, trademark, patent, or any proprietary rights. Any unauthorized use of this Article may violate rights, and so, ARaymond Japanor any third party concerned may claim any damages or losses suffered. If you need further information, please contact ARaymond Japan.