THE WHAT? Shiseido is set to commence operations of its Osaka Ibaraki Factory and West Japan Distribution Center (WJD) in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, this month, following its completion in December 2020.
THE DETAILS Acting as a new concept supply chain base with four functions of factory, logistics, consumer centre and factory tour course, the company is said to have improved productivity, strengthened its production system, and established a production and supply network system.
According to a press release, “In addition, the distribution center is newly established on the same premise of the Osaka Ibaraki Factory, which is the first time for Shiseido’s factories, aiming to improving work efficiency from production to transportation, reducing transportation costs and environmental burdens.”
The factory will focus on manufacturing prestige skincare products, be environmentally sustainable, a ‘people first’ workplace environment, and work together with local communities.
THE WHY? The reforms fall as part of Shiseido’s medium-to-long-term strategy, WIN 2023 and Beyond, with the company ‘promoting the establishment of supply network strategy for production bases from a global perspective.’
The company said, “We aim to create a system that allows each factory to respond flexibly, taking into account not only cost, but also various factors such as lead time, inventory and raw material procurement. We are also trying to build a cutting-edge factory that incorporates the latest technologies such as IoT and AI. At the same time, we will establish a manufacturing system that can lead the industry by making the factory a place where people can work comfortably and with pride.
“In addition, with an eye on the post-COVID-19 situation, the Fukuoka Kurume Factory (Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan) is scheduled to start operation in the first half of 2022, following the Nasu Factory established in 2019 and this Osaka Ibaraki Factory to meet the expected future expansion of demand in Japan and overseas.”
