Quality and Safety of Products

Metrics and targets

Promote the appropriate operation of quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, and the maintenance of certifications at relevant locations

Results

For ISO 9001: Upper management reviews and internal quality audits (at five plants) were performed and Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) certification was renewed
For IATF 16949: Regular IATF audit was performed (Automotive & Transportation Headquarters)

Our Philosophy

THK has established a quality assurance structure in which each production facility in and outside of Japan is certified with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. We also work with each of our suppliers to accomplish environmentally conscious manufacturing that takes ESG and the SDGs into consideration. In order to continue improving the quality of our products, we perform the following ongoing activities.

1. Strengthening design quality: As part of managing our product development process, we review the solutions implemented for any issues during the planning, design, prototype, trial, and mass-production stages, and we work to manage the stability and maintenance of quality levels after mass production.
2. Strengthening product quality: We have established a system that allows quality data to be shared globally. Additionally, we gather feedback from customers in each region and analyze it to provide rapid and appropriate service as a manufacturing and innovative services company. In all, we endeavor to develop products that meet market needs and improve quality.
3. Strengthening production quality: We endeavor to enhance the quality of the measurements we take, keeping error to a minimum, by implementing optimal measuring equipment necessary for maintaining product quality.
4. Strengthening talent development: In order to make products that are reliable and safe, we strive to develop talent in the areas of product knowledge (expertise), equipment handling (skills), and optimal production (quality).

2025 Activities

THK actively promotes talent development with the goal of strengthening our quality management system and improving the expertise and skills of our personnel.
We increased the number of people qualified to serve as ISO 9001 internal auditors and conducted training to boost their skills. The additional internal auditors were certified through an external course, and they observed the work of current internal auditors to gain practical experience that would increase their skill level. Qualified internal staff members also provided guidance to those being trained, reviewing the preparation of ISO 9001 documents and the internal audit system with them to impart the skills needed for certification.
We also conducted training aimed at improving employee skills related to qualification testing of heat-treated and ground products. Over the course of four days, the employees from each factory who were selected for this training were given practical instruction in topics such as metallographic analysis, hardness testing, and how to use analyzers. Through this training, participants acquired specialized knowledge and techniques related to quality management and improved their skills at inferring process issues and analyzing test results.
By implementing initiatives such as these, we strengthen our talent development in the realms of expertise, skills, and quality in order to further bolster our product quality.