JTEKT – Factory Tour
JTEKT Corporation is one of the Toyota Group companies that was created as a result of a merger between Koyo Seiko and Toyoda Machine Works. They are a major supplier of steering systems in the automotive sector, but also a manufacturer of bearings and machine tools for a variety of sectors including steel, railway, aerospace, construction, machinery, and others.
Corporate Information
- Company: JTEKT Corporation
- Establishment: 2006
- Location: Aichi Prefecture
- Main Business: manufacturing of steering systems, bearings, machine tools and mechatronics
JTEKT Corporation – Lean Characteristics
TPS, Kaizen, Smart Factory, IoE
JTEKT is a global manufacturing company that has 12 factories in Japan and over 40 production bases overseas. As a vital member of the Toyota Group, JTEKT thoroughly applies the Toyota Production System. However, the company is led by a set of guiding values called “JTEKT Way” and members of the JTEKT Group share a unified sense of the JTEKT values worldwide, which are made up of five key pillars summarized as: 1) customer first, 2) continuous kaizen, 3) aspiration for innovation, 4) teamwork and self-discipline and 5) ownership.
The company has been promoting a smart factory concept and recently been making a concerted effort to combine lean thinking with cutting-edge digital solutions through the introduction of IoE (Internet of Everything) into their operations. By connecting machinery and equipment to people and services, and processing the big data collected to be visible and actionable to people for analysis, weak points in the manufacturing processes can be better detected which were previously not always identifiable and quantifiable. As a result, more accurate decisions can be made to improve operations, and manufacturers are able to achieve next level efficiency, functionality, reliability and productivity.
Shanghai, China
Shinka Management’s service here was truly exceptional. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure that every detail of our experience was perfect. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, and it was truly appreciated. Their hospitality was warm and welcoming, making us feel like valued guests.
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Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
One of the best weeks of my life. It has changed the way I see my production facility forever!
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Valmiera, Latvia
The Lean Japan Tour program organised by Shinka Management is a fantastic experience for those involved in business and production. It inspires people to make changes for the better and to more effectively organize production regardless of the industry they represent.
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Perth, WA, Australia
I would like to personally thank the Shinka team for a well-organised week that definitely opened my eyes on elements of Lean Management as well as some great ideas related to Japanese construction processes. I’m looking forward to getting back to our business and putting these elements into play with the whole team. I think…
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Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Paul Smith and the team at Shinka Management, in particular Eri Dennis, did an incredible job planning and leading our tailored Japan Study Tour in March 2024. Our team of construction and training professionals learnt and more importantly experienced so much about lean management and Japanese construction, manufacturing and factory practices. Without the expertise and…
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San Francisco, California, United States
Thank you, Paul Smith and Ben Sparrow, for hosting this amazing real time learning experience through visits to factories in Japan practicing Lean methodologies. This trip is something I will remember and take with me throughout my professional career and personal life.
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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.
Tour Inquiries
Interested in joining us in Japan? For additional information prior to registration please fill in the form provided or contact us.