Please tell us about your responsibilities and missions.

I am responsible for purchasing components of ETC (Electric Turbocharger supplying compressed air/oxygen to fuel cell) for fuel cell systems. As ETC is used not only in automobiles, but also in a wide range of other applications such as ship and stationary generators, we are required to create products with performance and cost that satisfy each customer's need. We hope to become a leading company in the industry by quickly introducing products that meet customers expectations. However, the components of ETC are drastically different from those of a conventional turbocharger and the procured parts are all new to us. I am working together with our development team and suppliers on how to procure parts that meet the required specifications at low price, while deepening product knowledge on a daily basis through trial and error.

How have you grown since you started working for Turbocharger Unit?

Previously, I used to deal with so-called heavy-industrial made-to-order products. Therefore, when I started working on turbochargers, I learned how to build and manage quality for mass-produced products in the automotive industry. From a procurement perspective, it is difficult to change specifications after the start of mass production, so it is necessary to work out specifications and prices in details considering the project schedule. On the other hand, minor changes may be accepted even after mass production, so we are trying to find out how we cut down on the costs. In addition, automotive business has a large impact on the operations of suppliers, so we need to select suppliers and negotiate prices with these circumstances in mind. I am learning every day how difficult it is to pursue cost reductions with ensuring stable quality and supply.

Please tell us what you are impressed with (work, workplace, people, etc.).

In Vehicular Turbocharger Business Unit, each department implements cross-sectoral activities with affiliated companies. Procurement Dept. hold a meeting called GGPM (Global Group Procumbent Meeting). And before Covid-19, we gathered members from various countries to Japan to discuss variety of procurement topics. I was very nervous when I gave my first presentation in English on the parts I was in charge of, as I was bombarded by sharp remarks and harsh opinions. At the evening get-together, I was able to talk face to face with members with whom I had only exchanged e-mails and the psychological distance between us was shortened considerably. At the moment, GGPM is held online, but I hope that face to face exchanges will be revived soon.