Kashima Branch
Steel Sheet Section
JUNKO NISHIMURA
The hot rolling plant of the Kashima ironworks, which has been engaged in production tasks like packing coils since the beginning of operations, is a place that carries a long history, even among the many different Konoike sites. I think one of the appealing things about Konoike is that they allow someone like me, a woman, to be active at the ironworks, a place which has traditionally been thought of as a man's domain. I think a lot of women want to work in Tokyo or in some other job that's more glamorous, but I'm happy that I was able to get a job doing something that's a bit different from what my classmates are doing. I've been interested in overseas distribution since I was in school, and I wanted to find a position in international logistics. However, when I experienced the shock of watching a 16,000-ton forging press machine operate at the pressing site of the business office to which I was assigned after joining the company, this became the job I wanted to have. I felt something I had never experienced before, and I was really impressed and wanted to be a part of it.
One of the reasons I find my job enjoyable is that I know that I am doing something that most women around the world have not experienced. Another big part of it is that I am making things with my own hands that are used all over the world. Coils are a top-market item due to their use as a stainless steel component. Whenever I see a commercial with some stainless steel kitchenware, I wonder if it uses the coils we make. (Laughs) I'm proud that the products that we are involved with are used in many different places around the world.
A business office to which I was previously assigned had some line trouble as a deadline was approaching. This problem was uncovered in the evening. The order was to have everything ready for the customer the next day. The more experienced employees and I put on our work clothes, and everyone at the site worked together to resolve the problem. And we were able to deliver the product by the deadline. Our sense of unity at that time was amazing. We were not only able to overcome an impossible situation; we also produced results that went beyond the customer's expectations. The people at Konoike are completely different from people at other companies. Everyone wants us to be the best. I feel the most passionate when a customer praises one of our rivals. I absolutely will not allow us to be outdone. This is the Konoike brand. The concept of going beyond the customer's expectations is exciting to us. I recently got married, and I'm the first women to continue working at the ironworks after her marriage. So I want to work as hard as I can to be a role model for others.
With my own hands, I am making things that are used all over the world.
Kashima BranchSteel Sheet Section
JUNKO
NISHIMURA
The strength of logistics contributes even at workplaces where people's lives are at stake
Konoike Medical Co., Ltd.Tokyo Office
Manager
HIROSHI
NAKATA
Exceeding our customers' expectations creates a very rewarding feeling.
K Sky Co., Ltd.Haneda Office
Head
MASAYO
YAMAMOTO
Following rules to protect quality. This leads to the power of trust.
Tokai BranchNagoya Nishi Office
Subgroup Leader
NORIFUMI
TSUTSUMI
Creating an environment that everyone finds easy to work in is an important job in itself.
Higashi-Nihon BranchOme Distribution Center
Subgroup Leader
TOMOMI
HIRUMA
There's no such thing as magic. Everyone must band together and head in the same direction.
Kanto BranchKamisu Office
Chief Leader
HIROYUKI
HARA
I want to overcome barriers with flexible thinking, in both work and the environment.
International Logistics (Osaka) BranchHiroshima Regional Office
Assistant Manager
MIHO
TERAGAKI
Our employees' approach and thoughts for our customers strengthen the brand.
Kansai Chuo BranchShiga Distribution Center
Office Manager
YASUHIRO
KANAMARU
Maintenance is not passive. By looking one step ahead, we can support our customers' high-quality manufacturing.
Kashima BranchSteel Plate Section
Group Leader
MASASHI
HIRANUMA
I want to use my long experience to provide new proposals for management, so that we can also help develop the next generation.
Kashima BranchSteelmaking Materials Section
YOSHIAKI
KOMAI
I think about how to move ahead for the sake of the sales office. I'm ready.
Higashi-Nihon BranchKunitachi Distribution Center
Group Leader
TOMOKO
AIDA
While working to create management with roots in the local community, we want to disseminate the Konoike DNA.
Konoike Logistics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Konoike Asia (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
Director General Manager
XU
LEI
Even on the far side of the world, I want to do my best.
Konoike Mexico S. A. de C. V.
RIKU
HIWATASHI
We will use our frontline strength to build an unwavering relationship of trust with customers.
Kanto Chuo BranchFujimi Office
Office Manager
YASUHIRO
FUKUSHIMA
After I choose my path, I want to look back with no regrets.
Kyushu Sanko Unyu Co., Ltd.Kumamoto Center
NARUMI
FUKUSHIMA
I take pride in being part of a “strength that never lets up” that is unmatched in Japan.
Higashi-Nihon BranchShibukawa Office
Packaging Group
Sub Group Leader
YUYA
SAITO
*The employee title and affiliation were as of the time of the interview.