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.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I had the privilege of joining the Japan study tour by Shinka Management, and it was an invaluable experience. The tour offered a deep dive into Japan’s manufacturing excellence, focusing on lean production and continuous improvement. The Shinka Management team’s expertise and seamless coordination made the experience both educational and inspiring.
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Bulle, Fribourg, Switzerland
I’m back from Japan where I visited one of Toyota’s final assembly line and several Toyota suppliers. After my China industrial tour in 2018, I was really impressed by the lean manufacturing study tour organized by Shinka Management. The tour was an opportunity to better understand the history behind the Toyota Production System and to…
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Lumut, Brunei
The tour shows how industries in Japan do continuous improvement in their respective companies. I think that such concepts could also be applied in other industries as well when applied correctly within its own framework. The tour also showcases some aspects of Japanese culture which I appreciate a lot as it provides insight into the…
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Phenix City, Alabama, United States
Participating in the Shinka Management lean tour was an absolutely transformative experience. The opportunity to witness lean principles in action across renowned factories and a cutting-edge hospital offered unparalleled insights into operational excellence. The factory visits were a masterclass in efficiency and continuous improvement. Observing Toyota Production System methodologies firsthand—from Gemba walks to 5S practices…
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Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
The program was well organised and structured. The whole Shinka team were amazing and very accommodating. To be honest I was not certain that lean was the right fit for our business. But the refresher in Japan has opened up my eyes as to how it can be practically applied. The lean tour has prompted…
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Sanaswadi, Maharashtra, India
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Lean Japan Tour by Shinka Management, and it was an exceptional experience. The tour is meticulously designed for a concise 7-day itinerary, providing deep and practical insights into Lean Manufacturing. The blend of informative sessions and real-world observations made the learning process both engaging and highly…
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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.