Iris Ohyama Boosts Chinese Production With 1,600 Robots
Japanese household goods giant Iris Ohyama is expanding its use of robots in Chinese factories. The company has introduced 100 to 200 articulated-arm robots each year for transportation and assembly, totalling around 1,600 units. This move is part of a broader strategy to maintain production levels and adapt to changing market demands.
Iris Ohyama, known for its plastic storage containers and appliances, has been steadily increasing its robot workforce in China. The company installs about 100 industrial robots yearly in its Chinese factories, with plans to add more of the same kind in the future. This shift is not leading to job losses, as employees reassigned due to automation will work on new items and businesses.
Currently, China is Iris Ohyama's largest production country by value, followed by Japan and the US. The company operates 10 factories in China, seven of which are in Dalian. Despite the automation, Iris Ohyama plans to maintain its workforce of roughly 5,000 workers in China, with about 4,000 in Dalian. The head of the Chinese production facilities, Mr. Zhang Wei, ensures that affected employees are offered retraining programs and support for job relocation within the company. Strong sales in Japan are driving increased production in Chinese factories.
Iris Ohyama's investment in robots in China is a strategic move to boost efficiency and adapt to market needs. The company is committed to maintaining its workforce and providing support to employees affected by automation. With China remaining the biggest production country, Iris Ohyama continues to strengthen its presence in the region.
