The MISUMI Voice in Action

Here is an example of how MISUMI global network contributes the supply chain management of its customers.

What kind of manufacturing facility do you manage?

"Since it was founded, Mabuchi Motor has specialized in the field of small direct current electric motors. Though they are mundane products, they work behind the scenes as important components in a multitude of electronic equipment such as Automotive Products, Audio & Visual Equipment, Home Appliances, Power Tools and Toys & Hobbies. The function of my section is the equipment planning and equipment ordering focusing on the production line of our products. Our section is specifically in charge of the decision of equipment specification, selection of the procurement source regarding the critical equipment."

How does the global business network of MISUMI contribute to your group?

"Expanding local supply capability is advantageous if we can reduce costs and shorten delivery time. By acquiring our supply of components directly from various local sites in Asia, I maximize our supplier program. Mabuchi manages factories in China, Taiwan and Vietnam, so it is very cost effective to purchase components from MISUMI locations in Shanghai and Hong Kong, for instance. We can place orders with local language without the difficulty in communication, too. The attractive aspects of using MISUMI are on-time deliveries and the breadth of the MISUMI product offering. Another plus is that the catalog is easy to understand without a great deal of technical knowledge. Mabuchi management is considering making the MISUMI delivery model part of its employee education. Before our business relationship with local suppliers, we had to spend much more on shipment cost factors as well as on labor to manage it. We achieve ongoing cost and time savings with MISUMI as our component supplier."

Please tell us a detailed example of how effective local purchasing from MISUMI is.

"We, headquartered in Japan, had prior supplier plan involved about 3,000 shipments every month before we went with local suppliers including MISUMI. We reduced the number of required supplier shipments from Japan by at least 1/3 by maximizing local shipping. Because the scale of the factory has grown over the past ten years, it is assumed that the real effect is bigger."

It seems that your group manages a great number of components. Do you have any idea to raise of your business efficiency?

"We adopted a 'recommended vendor system' for purchasing factory automation components. For each recommended vendor system, we share supplier profiles, the master information on price, and purchase information on several thousand items in the Mabuchi group. Overseas factories are able to have a choice of suppliers with a guideline and the confirmation of the cost, thus they achieve efficiency while securing duties quality."

Do you have any request for MISUMI?

"Designers especially appreciate the extensive range of MISUMI components. MISUMI could leverage its technical know-how and expand business by standardizing automatic machining systems. From a service standpoint, I think that MISUMI can meet the growing demand for short delivery times. In addition, I am sure MISUMI has the potential to succeed."

About MABUCHI MOTOR

Since the company's foundation in 1954, Mabuchi Motor is continuing to seek possibilities in small electric DC motors with the business concept of "Contributing to International Society and Ever-expanding Our Contribution." Along with focusing on product development in meeting the needs of the market, Mabuchi is realizing high efficiency, low cost, and flexible production supply that is demanded in functional components of motors, and expanding application in extensive fields. Mabuchi has grown to be the world's leading manufacturer of small electric motors with an annual production capacity of approximately 2 billion motors.

From the day Mabuchi Motor established business in China (Hong Kong) in 1964, Mabuchi Motor has intentionally shifted production to Asian countries such as Taiwan, China (Guangdong, Dalian, Jiangsu), and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang). Mabuchi greatly contributed to the economic development of these countries upon completion of its production system by the mid 80Õs. While improving production efficiency, Mabuchi expanded employment opportunities at all overseas sites as well as bolstered technology growth. To this day, the company continues to contribute to the economic development and technology improvement in international society. Mabuchi purposefully integrates its knowledge and technology, and is working towards systematic cost reduction through the stages product design and development, improving product technology and global procurement of materials.