Panasonic Eco Technology Center – Factory Tour

Panasonic Eco Technology Center (PETEC) was founded in 2000 with the aim to recover and recycle resources from end-of-life home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners. Being a part of the Panasonic Group, the center promotes recycling-oriented manufacturing under the slogan of “product-to-product”. PETEC is one of the few recycling centers in Japan that has an on-site R&D laboratory.

Corporate Information

Company: Panasonic Eco Technology Center Co., Ltd.
Foundation: 2000
Location: Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture
Main Business: Recycling of used home appliances, research and development of recycling technology

PETEC – Lean Characteristics

Standard Work, 5S, Visual Management

In 2001, the Home Appliance Recycling Law went into full effect in Japan which made recycling of end-of-life home electric appliances a legal requirement. Against this backdrop, Panasonic Eco Technology Center (PETEC) was established in 2000 and began its full operation in 2001 as an advanced base of operations for recycling-oriented manufacturing.

During our visit we are provided with the opportunity to see the shop floor operation, and a detailed explanation of each work process and technologies used to streamline the operation is provided by a PETEC staff member.

The shop floor is divided into several zones with different colors based on the type of appliances being recycled. A team of skilled operators work efficiently and safely in each zone on the line by following a standard work sequence.

Visitors to the PETEC can also appreciate a high level of 5S and good visual management practices in place.

The Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour is a professional development program run several times annually. The program includes a mix of lean and kaizen seminars, hands-on lean training and visits to several benchmark lean companies. For further information and program dates, see the lean tour overview page.