TSUKUBA MANUFACTURING PLANT — STILL PRESSING AHEAD

Constant temperature and humidity are carefully maintained throughout the plant, as are strict quality control and just-in-time parts delivery. All finished presses are thoroughly print tested on-site. A network also links Komori directly with its suppliers.

Employee development is also ongoing. Workers are being cross-trained for greater flexibility. Walls have been minimized to foster communication. A training center has been established to fine-tune the level of machining and assembly technologies, as well as field services. And design and value engineering rooms were created to facilitate continuous improvement.

From a customer standpoint, Tsukuba itself serves as a showroom with an observation deck on the second floor for visitors. A large press demo area has also been created, along with ample training and meeting rooms.

Environmental Concern

Situated in an area that’s home to several nearby educational and research institutions, the exterior of the new plant features a sleek and environmentally friendly architectural design, complete with an entire section of solar panels as well as wind power, to generate electricity for indoor and outside lighting. Plant waste is separated into more than 20 recycling categories.

“The Tsukuba plant will be, we believe, a manufacturing base for the 21st century that is without parallel,” noted Yoshiharu Komori, president and CEO of Komori Corp., during the press conference.

To conclude the event, he presided over a ceremonial planting of trees on grounds next to the plant. The planting, in part, was done to bring good luck to the new facility and to honor the late Harry McMillan, a long-time executive at Komori America.
29˝ LS Model to Debut At IPEX

Komori also used its open house to announce the new Lithrone LS 29 series (also available in a 26˝ model) that will be introduced at IPEX next month. They replace the Lithrone 26/28 series. A five-color Lithrone S29 with coater and 10-color S29(P) perfector (shown) will be at the show.