The new factory has reorganised Tadano’s manufacturing operations in Japan. Now, construction cranes are produced at its Shido, Kagawa, Shikoku plant, and aerial work platforms at the Takamatsu plant, also in Kagawa.
In the 20,000 sq m two-story factory, about 90 employees produce 900 cranes per month. In total, the factory cost JPY 2.7bn (USD 22.7m), half for the building and half for the facilities and equipment.
The Tadotsu plant has an integrated production system, and operations include material cutting, assembly, painting and inspection. The factory works in cooperation with 100% Tadano subsidiary Shikoku Kiko next door, which previously produced frames. Previously, the Takamatsu plant made boom sections and performed final assembly.
The new factory will help shorten the production time and component stocks, the company said. The factory has a laser cutting systems. robotic welding equipment, cation electro-deposited painting system and automated high-bay warehouse.
“Based on a continuing strong recovery and expansion in demand in both domestic and overseas markets as well as in responce to further development in business environments in the future, Tadano invested and will continue to invest a total of approximately JPY 11.5bn (USD 968.8m) over the three years from 2005 through 2008 in the refurbishment of an improved production system to boost output,” the company said. “Its goals are to raise the production of the mainstay construction cranes by over 50% in the targeted year 2008 compared with the year 2004.”
Tadano’s 100% subsidiary Shikoku Kiko is next door (in blue). Tadano’s new Tadotsu plant for loader cranes (in red)
