 |
The two massive white buildings that stand on the compound of Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd.’s Shiga Plant present a pleasant contrast against the well- kept trees and shrubs. On the spacious compound, there is a small shrine dedicated to a local guardian god. A bright vermillion torii gate, donated by retired employees who transferred from the head office, now stands at the entrance of the shrine.
“We had this shrine built so that we would have a place to come every day to thank the guardian god for protecting us and to pray for the company’s future growth,” explains Yoshiteru Toyoshima, manager of the Shiga Plant.
This April, as in previous years, the plant manager, the safety manager, and labor union members gathered for a special prayer service. “It’s wonderful that we have a local industry which can be of service to our country,” says the Shinto priest who performed the ceremony.
The Shiga Plant was founded in 1977 as a second manufacturing base (after the main plant) for producing hydraulic control valves and pumps. In 1982, a facility was built within the plant to produce and process landing gear and other aerospace products. Today, in addition to manufacturing equipment for fighter planes and helicopters for the Defense Agency, the plant manufactures aircraft equipment for private companies worldwide, including Europe’s Airbus and Canada’s Bombardier Aerospace.
To ensure efficient production, the company installed state- of- the- art manufacturing facilities. A machining center that can process six products at a time and a computerized, automated warehouse management system that keeps track of the flow of products are just two examples of improvements that have streamlined the plant’s operations.
Not everything, however, can be left up to machines.
The human eye and hand frequently outperform the latest machinery when precision at the micron level is required. Polishing is one such area that requires the skills of an experienced craftsman. The accumulation of such skills also ensures the safety of the production line no matter how small the product.
“At the Shiga Plant, we have a team of dedicated, highly- skilled workers who have pride in what they do,” boasts Toyoshima.
Quite appropriate for Kusatsu, a city renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, the grounds of the Shiga Plant are filled with lush vegetation, and birds have come to nest in the well- cared- for trees. The natural surroundings also serve as an oasis of tranquility for the plant’s employees. |
 |
| A woman looks at the nameplates of guests that stayed at the honjin. These plates were displayed high up on the front gates of the honjin. |
 |
| Signposts are a symbol of Kusatsu, known for being a crossroad of major commercial routes. Many signposts were installed along highways in hope of a safe journey. |
|
