“I’m now working behind the scenes,” says Mr. Sakai. His duties as a manager in the Component Manufacturing Department include estimating and ordering parts and dealing with suppliers. During an interview about his work, he lit up in a smile when relating his experiences as a young man. Over the course of his long career to date, we wonder what kinds of experiences Mr. Sakai has had.
Work That Makes You Think “This is Interesting”
The company Mr. Sakai joined in 1997 was a leg manufacturer-supplier (currently TISM’s Component Manufacturing Department) for TISM (then Tokai Sewing Machine).
When he started the job, he found himself fascinated by the process of generating laser processing data using CAD and quickly immersed himself in the task. According to Mr. Sakai, “My responsibility is to create ‘nets’ (diagrams of opened and flattened polyhedrons) based on the drawings received from the Development Department.
To make a comparison, it’s like using CAD to create something resembling a game die that has been unfolded. I was captivated by the work and thought, ‘This is interesting.
He was responsible for not only creating the nets, but also for machining with a laser processing machines and bending pieces using a press brake. He felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment when the product was completed as designed and shipped safely.
Because Team Members Are There
In one instance, he finished making a product himself. Accompanying the joy of success was the warmth of his seniors’ comments. Mr. Sakai recalls, “They complimented me, saying, ‘You did it? Awesome!’ So, I was happy about that and thought, ‘Hey, I’ll do it again!’ I guess I worked with a lot of energy back then.”
Everyone currently working in the Component Manufacturing Department has experienced that kind of joy. “After all, everyone loves making things.” They join in celebrating the completion of a product, then go on to face the next task highly motivated. The relationship that enables them to share in that sense of fulfillment is linked to the strength of the Component Manufacturing Department. Says Mr. Sakai, “When an opening appears in my schedule, I go check to see how the people around me are doing and help out. This system we have for cooperating with each other came about organically.”
Experiencing Joys and Frustrations—Together
Currently, Mr. Sakai no longer works in manufacturing at the factory, but is now involved in general management. He is called upon to gain a clear picture of the company’s operational status on a daily basis. Since even minor shortages of personnel or parts can hinder production, getting information promptly is vital. In that regard, the Component Manufacturing Department communicates well regularly, so when a problem arises at a site, the information is immediately passed on to Mr. Sakai.
As he puts it, “What we all share is a mindset regarding quality. What we want to do as a manufacturer is to make attractive products that make our customers happy. Furthermore, while complaints are unavoidable, when we do get one, all of us share the frustration, which leads us to the required subsequent steps.” The team’s sense of unity is created by their shared emphasis on the pursuit of quality. Sharing that same passion, the team members take on the challenge of manufacturing products at an even higher level.
Manufacturing Division | Kenichi Sakai
Born in 1971
Joined the company/TISM in 1997
He focuses on open communication not only within the department, but also with other departments and suppliers.
