Megumi Yamaguchi
Global Air Power Group, Air Compressor Systems Division Air Compressor Management Dept. Air Compressor Manufacturing Dept. Production engineering group
My work is related to the technology incorporated into rotary screw air compressors manufactured at Shimizu Works. Specifically, my main role is to make improvements to these technologies. Until September 2022, I was in charge of three-dimensional measurement of screw rotors and casings, the core parts of an air compressor. Three-dimensional measurement is an essential process for maintaining the quality of these parts.Being entrusted with quality control was a major responsibility, and every day I worked with a sense of urgency to make sure that no defective products moved onto the next process.
As of October 2022, I am now in charge of assembly lines and have taken part in various projects such as the expansion of the starting board (control panel) assembly area, setting up two lines for the DSP Series' main block assembly, and expansion of the DSP Series unit assembly area. These have all been valuable learning experiences for me.
At Shimizu Works, we're working to increase the number of assembly lines and shorten work hours to increase production capacity. The goal of this is to achieve sales targets for DSP oil-free screw compressors, which are green products. Also, as part of the digitization of production sites, we are adopting paperless production planning tables using large monitors and incorporating digital devices (touch panels) to input data into manufacturing quality record tables. We are gradually extending this implementation.
Looking to the future, we are envisioning “Shimizu Works Smart Factory.” This factory of the future will leverage Digital Transformation (DX) and enable the visualization of the operational status of all facilities and the connection of production information, further digitizing the production site. I would like to see current issues solved one by one by a single team, reforming the factory into a pristine and cutting-edge production facility that is keen to be visited by many people.
I look forward to the workplace becoming an environment in which female and foreign employees play an even more active role. At present, only 7% of Shimizu Works employees are female, and the ratio of non-Japanese employees is also low. That is, the workforce is predominantly male and Japanese. I'm not saying the high ratio of male employees is inherently bad. It's just there are many situations where I think women can play a more active role.
The continuing expansion of globalization will bring with it a growing need for more international employees. This makes it even more important to create a work environment that accommodates rich diversity. I'd like to see a vibrant workplace that is fun and fulfilling for all who work here.
I want to do my part, bit by bit, to grow our air compressor business and make products that are cherished by more and more customers.
* As of July 2023
