The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will sponsor a seminar on Wednesday, April 25, examining the philosophies that are changing the development and quality of both the manufacturing processes and supplier relationships.
The session is scheduled for 1:30 PM at the Inn at St. John's in Plymouth, Mich.
The program, "The Mindset of Monozukuri: Enhancing Collaboration between North American and Japanese Enterprises & Sustaining a Culture of Manufacturing Talent," will explore methods for creating greater supplier relations between North American and Japanese enterprises.
The program is designed for both American and Japanese companies, industrial organizations and manufacturing industries in the Midwest U.S., including those industries related to automobile manufacturing, machinery and parts production.
In Japanese, the words mono (thing) and zukuri (process of making), when added together, literally mean the process of making or creating things. But the translation does not convey an accurate connotation of monozukuri.
The concept is much more intense; monozukuri means having the spirit to produce excellent products and the ability to constantly improve a production system and process. American suppliers hoping to develop closer collaboration with Japanese companies can benefit by embracing the concept and practice of monozukuri at their respective companies, according to JETRO.
"This program is targeting both North American and Japanese companies committed to retaining and expanding their manufacturing activities in North America. JETRO is looking to create more relationships between American and Japanese companies," commented Takashi Tsuchiya, Chief Executive Director of JETRO Chicago.
The seminar will feature executives from American and Japanese companies who will share their experiences with monozukuri, including manufacturing talent formation and the product development process.
The program includes Mitsuo Matsushita, CEO, Denso International America, Inc.; Shinjiro Yamada, CEO, INCS Inc.; Gary W. Klotz, Attorney, Butzel Long; John Winzeler, President, Winzeler Gear; and Ted Kawashima, Director, Japan Auto Parts Industries Association North America Office.
It is co-organized by the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC); The Detroit Regional Chamber; Automation Alley; Japan Business Society of Detroit (JBSD); and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).
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