Enshu has developed a new automatic transfer device "E-Loader" which can be built into a machining center. In Japan, a new announcement was made at the exhibition "MECT2019" in late October. It was first released at METALEX 2019 in Thailand as an easy-to-start automation system.

At the METALEX venue, we got a chance to talk to Mr. Haruo Yamashita, the president of ENSHU Limited.

It’s going to be our 100th anniversary soon! The company started with textile machines and will challenge themselves with new technologies such as machine tools and laser processing.

Founded in 1920 as a manufacturer of textile machinery, Enshu has shifted its main focus to machine tools in the trend of the times and is currently challenging itself with the latest technologies, such as laser processing and automation systems. As President Yamashita celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2020, he stated, “We want to listen to the diverse needs of our customers from both Japan and overseas and use our group's network to deliver high-quality products and services.”

▲Mr. Haruo Yamashita, the President of ENSHU Limited.
He has about 2 years’ experience (2010-2012) working as an expat in Thailand. 　　

The key to the future is to develop Thai local human resources who can provide high-level technical services, including automation proposals.

In Thailand, there are many companies that are mainly in the automotive industry, including Japanese, local Thai, and also many international ones. "The needs vary from company to company, but it is important to provide the right machines and services for them. We value the services quite seriously," said President Yamashita.

The key to understanding the needs of Thai customers is the personnel development of Thai sales and technical (engineering) staff. President Yamashita said, "I feel that the service skills of our Thai staff has been firmly established since 1997 when ENSHU came to Thailand." On the other hand, he talked about the future challenges, "I would like to work on raising the motivation of Thai staff so that they can have ‘the desire to do this for the Thai market.’"

In particular, he hopes that the need for automation in the Thai market will increase in the future. "I would like my staffs to listen carefully to the voices of customers, think for yourself how to increase productivity, come up with ideas and propose products that meet the market expectations."

Providing services to the ASEAN region, mainly from Enshu Thailand where the manufacturing base is located

Enshu manufactures its main products, such as vertical machining centers in Thailand. Therefore, various results and examples have been accumulated in the Thai corporation.

The company also provides support from Thailand, which has manufacturing bases, to other ASEAN regions such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. That's why Yamashita says, "it is essential to enhance the engineering skills of staff in Thailand." Most recently, "We aim to create a system that can support India from Thailand."

Although the trend of production automation has already begun in Thailand, other ASEAN countries are still in the middle of market growth. "Based on the experience we have gained in Thailand, I want to convey Enshu's strengths and capabilities to markets in other countries. I want to contribute to as many customers as possible as an Enshu Group." (President Yamashita)

＜After the interview＞
Enshu Group values the voice of customers. The automation system "E-Loader" that was released this time was originally born from the voice of customers. Enshu continues to evolve and take on challenges, but his "customer-first principle" is always consistent. I felt so from the talk of President Yamashita.