AKEBONO REPORT 2012

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AKEBONO REPORT 2012 Akebono Brake Industry Co. Ltd. 7saw that old fashioned cutting methods are still used overseas even in processing screws generating a lot wastematerial. The cost of those materials are buffered by the lowlabor costs. In contrast a cold-headed screw manufacturedin Japan generates no grinding dust. However we have tonote that technology tends to outflow sooner or later.Therefore we must continuously strive to enhance it. Ibelieve Japan’s manufacturing sector can be made evenstronger through such efforts as improving yield rates byreducing the waste normally associated with manufacturing.Goto (Production Engineering): Furthermore a process thattakes 10 seconds to complete may not create any addedvalue that could not be achieved in a one-second process.The other nine seconds can be seen as wasted time. Thereis more room for eliminating the unnecessary.Onuki (General Affairs): Throughout the world Japanesetechnology and craftsmanship are unique. In every section we have many associates who are skilled in excellent technologiesand who possess craftsmanship. We must pass onthese technologies to younger generations.Yamamoto (Monozukuri Center): When I was involved indrawing up the brand statement I was told that “a brake issecond engine.” This made a strong impression on me. Onlythe knowledge that he has reliable brakes gives a driver theconfidence to step on the accelerator?we can be proud ofthat and should work with enthusiasm finding joy in providingpeople with this absolute safety.Hayakawa (Purchasing): After the earthquake we conductedsurveys on secondary and tertiary suppliers in Japan North America Europe and Asia to ensure we could maintainthe supply chain. Based on the experience I gained throughthese surveys I will work to select suppliers who pay particularattention to compliance. Especially expansion in emergingcountries requires us to pay sufficient attention to humanrights protection.Why Akebono Continues Manufacturing in JapanMita (R&D): Currently Akebono’s main products are brakerelated.However I think we are being called to move on tocreate new products best suited for the times. Specifically guided by akebono’s Corporate Mission we should belooking to products that assure users of safety and securityin line with the evolution of automobiles. My wish is to makeAkebono a company that creates products that benefit people’slives even more.Yamamoto (Monozukuri Center): When Akebono marks its100th anniversary my grandchild will be in the midst of therecruiting season. I want to hear him say “I’d like to joinAkebono.” Setting the stage for the young of Japan I amdetermined to do best I can.Goto (Production Engineering): When I joined Akebono in1983 the company had just been listed on the First Sectionof the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This was followed by the establishmentof the joint venture Ambrake Corporation (currentlyAkebono Brake Elizabethtown Plant) with an American basedcompany. Then Akebono acquired the brake business ofRobert Bosch LLC in 2009. My career has progressedalong with the turbulent transitions accompanying Akebono’soverseas expansion. While our axis is set on Japan our eyesare fixed on the global stage. This is how we are makingAkebono a front runner.Onuki (General Affairs): From the viewpoint of generalaffairs we want to win the even greater trust if people inJapan as well as overseas for the entire Akebono Group notonly for our brake products. To achieve this one of the mostimportant things is to continuously contribute to the developmentof local societies by persisting with manufacturing inJapan and maintaining employment for young people as wellas older workers. This will also help broaden the base ofend-users of our products and fans.Hayakawa (Purchasing): I feel our brand statement is implyinghow automobiles in 20 years later are going to look. Ipredict that automobile demand will polarize that is on oneextreme there will be demand for cars for pleasure while onthe other end of the spectrum we will see demand for vehiclesthat support daily life. To meet either extreme thedevelopment of innovative and low-cost production technologiesis required. Only Akebono of Japan is positioned toachieve this.We will continue Monozukuri manufacturing value-addedproducts in Japan as we strive to remain a manufacturerguided by our Corporate Mission even after we mark our100th anniversary in 2029.Tadahiro MitaProduct Planning Department R&D Division“The future vision of the automobilewill vary by region andculture. Hereafter we shouldalso develop products in tandemwith local operationsacross the world.”Special Feature Social Repor t Environmental Repor t Economic Repor t Reference Materials

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