Yokota Airmen visit one of Japan's leading manufacturers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Eight members of Team Yokota recently visited a local manufacturing plant in Hamura City, Japan, to see one of the world leaders in lean manufacturing. 

The group of Airmen, all associated with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century or AFSO21, toured the maker of Hino and Toyota brand trucks to gain insight into continuous process improvement techniques which may translate into day-to-day Air Force operations. 

Hino spokesmen briefed the group on the company's history and then conducted a thorough tour of the plant's manufacturing facility. The vehicle manufacturing line is a model for "just-in-time" supply principles with nearly 15,000 parts delivered by partner suppliers to specific locations on the assembly line. The company uses computerized production control to place parts on the assembly line in the order they are needed to ensure the workers do not run out of parts. 

"The tour was very informative and has enhanced my training in AFSO 21," said Master Sgt. Darryl Nelson, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent. "Seeing what we've learned and how the different steps and processes work with our own eyes is definitely a bonus for the Air Force." 

The Hino factory produces 380 trucks a day using lean manufacturing, a production practice which optimizes flow, increases efficiency and decreases waste. For example, Sergeant Nelson said he was impressed with the way factory workers had all the necessary parts and tools close at hand. 

"In the Air Force we spend a lot of time moving to get the job done," he said. "They (factory workers) have everything in arms reach and save numerous man hours." 

Maj. Gregory Davis, 374th Airlift Wing AFSO 21 manager, organized the tour to help teach the concepts of AFSO 21, such as identifying performance gaps, finding effective ways to accomplish the mission and bringing everyone together to solve problems, exploiting opportunities and maximizing efficiencies. 

"I was really impressed by the precision and level of planning," said Major Davis. 

He said he hopes to establish more tours like this one on a frequent basis. 

"The Japanese continue to impress me in their gratitude and professionalism they show in everything they do," said Sergeant Nelson. "It was a wonderful tour."