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.
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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Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
It was an excellent tour – professionally run and well executed. The companies selected implemented lean at a high degree. The passion they exhibited in sharing their lean journey was very inspiring. I have learned new strategies to bring home to implement. A time well spent.
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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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Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Excellent, from preparing the tour group on do’s and don’ts to guidance on what to watch out for every step of the way. Cannot recommend this enough if you are looking to learn how to resolve issues, and want to understand the lean approach from philosophy to theory to practice. Thank you very much, Paul,…
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Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
I had a great experience with Shinka Management on the Lean Japan Tour. The program was very well planned in terms of timing, tour structure, and site visits. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism in organising and delivering the tour. I would highly recommend Shinka for anyone considering a Lean Japan Tour.
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Auckland, New Zealand
The fact that you can go past all the books and see the Toyota Production System in action first hand is fantastic. It is not sold in a complicated form by those involved but rather the opposite. The training room was found to be hands on and simple allowing us to touch and feel examples…
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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.