Skilled Craftsman Hiroki Tanaka Excels in Detailed Construction
In the heart of Toyota's Tahara Plant, where the renowned Century model is produced, a 40-strong assembly line crew, including master assembler Hiroki Tanaka, is hard at work bringing together thousands of parts to create a finished vehicle.
The Century assembly line consists of four sections: Trim, Chassis, Final assembly, and Tuning/Fluids. Hiroki Tanaka, recognised as a Master of Precision Assembly, is assigned to the Chassis section, where he installs engine, suspension, and PHEV batteries.
Tanaka's work involves using a torque wrench with a meter-long handle to install bulky, heavy engine and suspension components. His role is integral to the manufacturing process, as he installs parts such as the suspension and driveshaft onto the base car body.
The selection criteria for the assembly line crew specified highly skilled, quality-oriented personnel at the Expert level or higher, with a meticulous approach to craftsmanship. Tanaka was chosen from a pool of 1,500 candidates for his exceptional precision and dedication.
The Century model has recently launched a new version, and this article is part of a special five-part series featuring craftspeople working on the Century model. The series, which focuses on the craftsmanship of Japanese monozukuri (making things) in the automotive industry, showcases skilled craftspeople integral to Toyota's manufacturing excellence.
Despite advancements in technology like AI and 3D printing, handwork still plays an important role in today's car manufacturing. The Century assembly line workers use an assortment of wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools and jigs of various sizes for fitting each part. Some parts for cars are made in-house by the vehicle manufacturer, while others come from outside suppliers.
Together, the Century assembly line produces three cars per day. With around 30,000 parts making up a typical car, precision and care are crucial to ensure each vehicle is of the highest quality.
In the Final Assembly Division, where Tanaka is a part of the team, approximately 1,500 employees work tirelessly to ensure every vehicle meets Toyota's rigorous standards.
In the world of automotive manufacturing, Hiroki Tanaka stands out as a master assembler, his precision and dedication a testament to the enduring importance of human craftsmanship in an increasingly technological world.
- The automotive industry relies on precise and dedicated personnel like Hiroki Tanaka, even in an era when technology advances such as AI and 3D printing are prevalent in car manufacturing.
- The Final Assembly Division, where Hiroki Tanaka works, is staffed with around 1,500 employees who strive to maintain Toyota's high-quality standards in their manufacturing process.
- Hiroki Tanaka's career in the automotive industry involves working on Toyota's Century model, where he is stationed in the Chassis section, installing essential components like the engine, suspension, and PHEV batteries, using tools like torque wrenches and screwdrivers.
- Handwork remains crucial in the manufacturing of cars, with workers like Tanaka using a variety of tools and jigs to fit each part, many of which are made either in-house or by outside suppliers.
