Please tell us about your responsibilities and missions.

Our customers, automobile manufacturers (OEMs), are not satisfied with just "good products", unlike general consumers. All processes from inquiry to mass production must be properly controlled. The main task of quality assurance is to maintain and improve the quality of products and processes. I am mainly in charge of quality support* for global projects manufactured at multiple overseas bases analysis of damaged machines from domestic and overseas customers. Especially, there are difficulties beyond language in dealing with overseas because it is necessary to proceed with projects with members having diverse backgrounds and values. However, it is more than happy to overcome challenges supprted by reliable team.

*Quality evaluation (APQP, PPAP) support for mass production start-up, quality troubles, process changes, etc.

What do you like about IHI's Turbocharger and why?

IHI is focusing on electric turbochaegers for ICE(Internal Combustion Engine) as well as for Fuel Cell Systems. I am pleased with contributing to carbon neutrality not only in general ICE but also in various mobility fields as the significance of my work. In addition to advanced technologies including jet engine technology, which is IHI's strength, elemental technologies such as aero dynamics, heat, and bearings in varying rotating machines such as gas turbines and compressors are condensed into a small turbo. Nevertheless, when I see it(Turbo) working hard, even though it(Turbo) is small and round with an innocent face, I feel even affectionate. ha-ha
Besides micro cars, passenger cars, super sports cars, and large commercial vehicles, IHI turbochargers are used in a wide variety of mobility applications, including snowmobiles and ships, with cumulative production volume reaching 100 million units.

Please tell us about the appeal and best part of working for Turbocharger Unit.

IHI's turbocharger business has 2 bases in Japan and 6 bases in 5 countries overseas. In my work, it is unavoidable to contact with overseas, so I find it very appealing to be able to naturally broaden my horizons. I think one of the attractions is that there are many opportunities for overseas business trips and overseas assignments. I myself was posted to China for about three years, and I feel my sense of values changed in a positive way before and after my assignment.
From a long-term perspective of the next decade or so, unfortunately, it seems inevitable that the demand for existing turbochargers for ICE (internal combustion engines) will gradually decrease in the future due to the trend toward electric vehicles. Being able to experience this period of drastic change is also a great part of the work. Currently, IHI is focusing on electric turbochargers for fuel cell systems, and we have received inquiries from many customers. In addition, we are actively developing new businesses other than turbochargers by applying our rare mass production technology and the technology we have cultivated so far. We are trying to transform the traditional way and develop various new businesses. I think it's also attractive that we can get the excitement of a startup even though we're in a big organization like IHI.