Kaizen Enables Innovation
One of biggest innovations for Densho in the past two years has been the recycling of chemicals. Densho uses hydrofluoric and sulfuric acids to etch the glass. These substances are costly to dispose ofand potentially damaging to the environment Working with Kansai University, Densho has developed and patented a method to recycle these acids. Based on the success of the project, Densho received the very prestigious New Energy Development Organization (NEDO) Award from the Japanese government. The 5ส and kaizen activities provided Densho with the open space in the factory for the recycling plant, eliminating the need to invest in additional space.
Becoming a Trusted Partner
A key to building trust is sharing information openly to ensure that everybody is working from the same data Some companies find it difficult to have this kind of candor with the customers they are trying to impress. Densho makes a special effort to keep this priority in perspective for all customer and employees.
As a supplier with unique processes and capabilities, a quality problem or line shutdown at Densho therefore is not just an internal matter-it is about “protecting our company, the customer employees, and even the country of Japan.” Keeping this in perspective ensures that both Densho and the customer can solve problems without trying to find out who is to blame.
The resulting level of trust has allowed a strong partnership. Densho and its customers in Japan and the United State jointly own many patents. Densho uses kaizen to continually show customers that the company is
Always innovating and doing kaizen to reduce cost and reduce lead time
Not hiding problems
Maintaining a spirit of cooperation that makes problem solving transparent and easy
As a result of kaizen-fueled innovation and partnership, Denso is assuming an expanded role for customer in the LCD manufacturing process. This is making Densho a one –stop shop for the Japanese electronics giants, a true supply-chain partner that will drastically reduce lead time and make its customers more competitive in the global market. This huge responsibility shows that the people at Densho are trusted to maintain perfect delivery and quality in order to keep the LCD industry running in Japan. Gemba kaizen enabler of the long-term strategy of Densho.