2012

(Posted Oct. 2012)

Sweating It Out Together to Build Teamwork

Minebea's purpose in expanding its business overseas has never been simply to access labor pools. We have expanded from the standpoint of making a long-term investment to mass produce better products. Based on this policy, we install the latest machinery when constructing new overseas plants and, as previously mentioned, we actively promote the localization of management. We also spare no effort in investing in the future through the time and effort put into employee training.

We believe that training employees works best by having them witness the processes firsthand at the manufacturing sites. When we construct new plants, we not only provide classroom training to local employees, but we provide practical on-the-job (OJT) training at operating plants. Following the OJT, engineers from the Karuizawa Plant visit each plant on a routine basis to provide direct, repeated training sessions to employees and share their know-how. In each of the plants, a spirit of friendly competition among employees is deeply rooted. These friendly rivalries advance innovation and spur the development and acquisition of new technology. Innovations made at plants are validated at the Karuizawa Plant, the mother plant, and quickly rolled out to all plants.

Though Minebea does not have a special technology achievement awards or honors program, the passion employees have for getting involved in research on new technology reflects a shared approach to manufacturing which transcends language and culture. When plants are constructed overseas, Japanese dispatched to support the new operations sweat it out alongside the local employees pushing mops and doing other chores, creating feelings of unity. This sense of being a part of the global "Team Minebea" generates unwavering bonds of trust among employees.

Column"Uses of Ball Bearings"

Ball bearings are used in a vast array of machines which support our daily lives. They can be found throughout society, from such household appliances as air conditioners and vacuum cleaners, to such vehicles as aircraft and automobiles, and such information communications equipment as personal computers and copy machines.

Household Appliances (air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, etc.)
The use of ball bearings helps to reduce friction within the machines and contribute to energy efficiency as well as reduce noise and support quiet operation.

Vehicles (automobiles, aircraft, etc.)
Long-life bearings contribute to the reliability of vehicles. A standard automobile has more than 100 bearings, requiring a variety of performance needs.

Information Communications Equipment (HDDs, copy machines, etc.)
As PCs become slimmer, the pivot used in HDDs (the bearing supporting the magnetic head actuator) has also needed to become slimmer, with a current thinness of about 1 millimeter.

Other (dental handpieces, etc.)
Bearings are also used in a wide range of other places throughout society. For the handpieces used in dentist offices, the bearings must be able to support high-speed rotation and withstand rust and corrosion.