The Mindset of Monozukuri | Print |

Manufacturing philosophies among Japanese and U.S. companies and their impact on competition and collaboration to be examined at Detroit-area seminar



Detroit, April 4, 2007 – Industrial globalization has brought about rapid progress in multinational affiliations among manufacturers, as seen in the automobile industry between Japan and the United States.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will present a seminar on Wednesday, April 25 examining the philosophies that are changing the development and quality of both the manufacturing processes and supplier relationships. The session is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan.

The program is entitled “The Mindset of Monozukuri: Enhancing Collaboration between North American and Japanese Enterprises & Sustaining a Culture of Manufacturing Talent,” and will concentrate on the ways to create greater supplier relations between North American and Japanese enterprises. The program is designed for both American and Japanese companies, industrial organizations and manufacturing industries in the Midwest U.S., including those industries related to automobile manufacturing, machinery, and parts production.

In Japanese, the words mono (thing) and zukuri (process of making), when taken together literally mean the process of making or creating things. However, the translation does not convey the accurate connotation of monozukuri. The concept is much more intense; monozukuri means having the spirit to produce excellent products and the ability to constantly improve a production system and process. American suppliers hoping to develop closer collaboration with Japanese companies can benefit by embracing the concept and practice of monozukuri at their respective companies. According to Mr. Takashi Tsuchiya, Chief Executive Director of JETRO Chicago, “This program is targeting both North American and Japanese companies committed to retaining and expanding their manufacturing activities in North America. JETRO is looking to create more relationships between American and Japanese companies.”

This U.S.-Japan Manufacturing Technologies Seminar will feature thought-leaders from American and Japanese companies who will share their insights on and experiences with the mindset of monozukuri, enhancing manufacturing talent formation, the product development process and much more.

The program includes:

  • A keynote address from Mitsuo Matsushita, Chief Executive Officer, Denso International America, Inc. (Southfield, MI)
  • Shinjiro Yamada, Chief Executive Officer, INCS Inc., (Tokyo, Japan)
  • Gary W. Klotz, Attorney at Law, Butzel Long (Detroit, MI)
  • John Winzeler, President, Winzeler Gear (Harwood Heights, IL)
  • Ted Kawashima, Director, Japan Auto Parts Industries Association North America Office (Novi, MI) as session moderator

The program is co-organized by Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC); The Detroit Regional Chamber; Automation Alley; Japan Business Society of Detroit (JBSD); and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).

Program detail:
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Time: Registration at 1:00 p.m.; Program at 1:30 p.m.; Networking Reception at 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Rd., Plymouth Michigan
Registration/cost: This program is free of charge, but seating will be limited and advance registration is strongly recommended. Online registration is available at http://www.jetro.org/plymouthmz.
Contact: Kevin Kalb, JETRO Chicago, at 312-832-6000 Ext.205

Members of the media wishing to attend, please contact Jerry Mayeroff, 773-761-0868; jerry@mayeroff.com

About JETRO: JETRO has provided information and support to American companies entering the Japanese market for over 50 years. Through a local network of six offices in the United States, JETRO provides a wide-range of services, such as timely market intelligence, extensive business development support, and relevant business events, all designed to encourage business partnerships between American companies and Japan. JETRO Chicago provides services to companies and organizations in 12 Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.