Award for excellent manufacturing

The Xiamen capacitors site in China has received the Excellence Award from the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) for continuous improvements in manufacturing. The award recognizes measures implemented as part of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) that lead to efficient production. The site had introduced TPM in 2019.

TPM aims to maximize equipment effectiveness and overall operational efficiency through systematic tools and structured processes. All employees should be actively engaged in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing to sustainable growth in all areas using the SQDCM method (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Morale).

More sales, more efficient production

Since the introduction of TPM in November 2019, the site has achieved significant improvements in various key figures. The factory's turnover has doubled and new product sales have grown fivefold. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) increased by 46 percent, while equipment failure rates have been reduced by 85 percent. Furthermore, the number of improvement projects has tripled and the number of suggestions from employees has increased nearly tenfold. Moreover, the skills and capabilities of employees have been enhanced, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

In addition to further developing its own transformation, the Xiamen site is also collaborating actively with other TDK sites to promote TPM methods and concepts. The aim is to support sites in their transformation and to further strengthen the concept of TDK United.

“Receiving this award is a testament to hard work and dedication of every team member, as well as the support of the management," says site CEO Eric Liu. "Looking ahead, we are at a new starting point and need to further integrate system tools into the behavioral culture, continuing the transformation process towards operational excellence. This will enable our team to grow sustainably and create even greater value for our customers, for society and for the company.”

Figure 1:

At the TPM kick-off event in November 2019, together with Dr. Werner Lohwasser (TEG CEO and COO and ECBC COO).