EPISODEINTERVIEW
16

I take pride in being part of a “strength that never lets up” that is unmatched in Japan.

Higashi-Nihon Branch
Shibukawa Office
Packaging Group
Sub Group Leader

YUYA SAITO

YUYA

SAITO

It’s because I have strong connections with our customers and my coworkers that we are able to effect daily improvements and quality corrections.

At the Haruna plant for Suntory Products, a customer that the Konoike Group has worked with for quite a long time, I’m currently managing as a Sub Group Leader responsible for equipment operations and inspections throughout the packaging process for the PET drink bottle line. Delivering Suntory products from the Haruna plant, which has the proud distinction of being one of the top volume manufacturers in Japan, into the hands of regular consumers involves a process by which I and the other members work with engage in daily quality improvements, through activities related to TPM and continuous improvement. I worked here at Haruna straight through for 20 years from the time that I joined Konoike, and learned the ins and outs of the job under my Chief Leader, whom I greatly respect. The drink manufacturing line that I’m responsible for currently began operating in 2020 and uses the latest equipment that Suntory has available. Even so, we had a lot of problems when we were getting started and we really struggled to keep the operating rate up. Despite all of that, we valued the connections among our team, and established reliable equipment and mechanisms to avoid problems. Now, our operating rates are top-level for the country.

YUYA

SAITO

More than simply logistics.
Support for Japanese manufacturing and contribution to society.

At the time we were starting up the manufacturing line that I’m currently responsible for, we had to devote a lot of effort to investigating and adjusting the latest equipment. On top of that, over half of our team consisted of new members, so it was a lot of work to train the new staff at the same time that I was developing my own knowledge related to the new equipment. But we are showing really great teamwork now. I can feel the spirit born from Konoike’s long traditions breathing through our group. In the case of a customer like Suntory who has worked with us for such a long time, the people who came before me have always worked very hard to build connections and a relationship of trust between us. And the newer employees who are coming up, they are following in our footsteps through guidance that can be both strict and kind. I think being able to develop myself under experienced employees like that was extremely valuable, and I’m putting those experiences into practice with my current team. I’m proud to say that the work we do at Konoike supports Suntory’s beverage business. So that’s why I feel a shared sense of responsibility along with Suntory in delivering their drinks to society. I believe that the services we provide go beyond simple logistics, and contribute to society through the manufacturing of our Suntory.

YUYA

SAITO

When it comes to operating rate, we won’t be outdone by any other company. One of my goals is to use the latest technologies to reach even greater heights.

Concerning stability and improvements to operating rate, I am quite particular and won’t settle for second best. That’s why we’re aiming for the strongest possible maintenance capability so that we can pursue analyses and improvements for equipment problems that are in line with basic principles, as well as maintain equipment without any malfunctions or breakdowns. Doing so keeps customer satisfaction high. I also hope to learn more about IoT and AI to enable further automation and efficiency.