During the December 2024 TPS Study Tour, participants had the invaluable opportunity to visit Somic Ishikawa Inc., a distinguished Tier 1 supplier to Toyota. Established in 1916, Somic Ishikawa specializes in the development and manufacture of automotive components, with a particular focus on ball joints and dampers. Their flagship products include ball joints for steering and suspension systems, which are critical for vehicle safety and performance. This visit provided participants with deep insights into how Toyota collaborates with its suppliers and how the Toyota Production System (TPS) principles are effectively implemented beyond Toyota’s own facilities. Observing Somic Ishikawa’s operations allowed the team to understand the seamless integration of TPS methodologies, such as Just-In-Time and Jidoka, within a supplier context. The experience underscored the importance of close supplier relationships and the consistent application of TPS principles throughout the supply chain to achieve operational excellence.
Congrats!
Thank you, Lapitha Gunasinghe Asanka Henegedara and the Center for Lean Excellence for arranging this valuable opportunity for me!