The Importance of Quality Control for Automotive Components: THK's Zero-Defect Guarantee

It goes without saying that quality control is imperative for a company that produces and sells the diverse range of products that THK does. For THK's automotive and transportation business in particular, which develops, produces, and sells automotive components, quality control is one of the most important processes connected to the customer's peace of mind and safety. In this article, we’ll talk about THK’s philosophy and projects related to quality control as well as the “zero-defect guarantee” in the automotive and transportation business slogan.

Building an Organization Striving for the Best QCD in the World

THK’s automotive and transportation business has dedicated itself to establishing an interdepartmental structure for offering the best QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) in the world. It achieves overall quality control through its comprehensive production system, which encompasses everything from design and development to production engineering and manufacturing. This, in turn, has made it possible to anticipate various circumstances at the design stage and build systems that produce the highest quality. From a cost standpoint, each product is assigned to a team that can bring a variety of perspectives from across the company to discuss it. This prevents unbalanced, partial optimization and reduces costs. Additionally, while we’ve achieved 100% on-time delivery through drastic improvements to our production management system, we’ve also reduced our lead times by adopting the just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing model.

Going a step further, we are diligently cultivating the following mindsets to make sure we never ship a product that results in a quality claim on the global market.

Analyze, evaluate, and propose alternatives for quality functionality. (Quality deployment at the development stage)
Provide products with quality guaranteed by the manufacturing process. (Quality function deployment* at the production stage)
View things from the customer’s perspective when offering engineering support.

* A methodology for achieving goals for product quality through various changes and developments.

What is THK’s “Zero-Defect Guarantee?”

At THK, we strive toward our quality “zero-defect guarantee” on a daily basis. But you're probably not used to hearing the phrase “zero-defect guarantee.” You might be thinking, “Wouldn’t it be a 100% guarantee if you strive for the highest quality and prevent defects from making it to the market or the customer?” To be sure, on the point of not shipping defective product, the two are the same. However, if a defect gets to a customer even once, containment measures in the form of sorting and inspections, the provision of replacement product, and, depending on the situation, product redesign all become necessary, which creates a tremendous labor and cost burden for component manufacturers as well. Simply preventing defective products from being shipped is not enough; having an accurate understanding of the causes of defects and utilizing manufacturing methods that prevent defects from being produced in the first place are crucial.The “zero-defect guarantee” means predicting and pursuing the causes of defects to prevent them from occurring. Essentially, it is a philosophy of preventing problems before they happen.

Fulfilling the “Zero-Defect Guarantee”

The “zero-defect guarantee” was adopted to forge relationships of trust for driving customer satisfaction. Let's look at seven concrete initiatives that THK is pursuing to fulfill that guarantee.

1. Thorough implementation of quality control

At THK, we have complete confidence in the quality of our products. In order to provide a high level of quality, we have strict quality controls throughout the entire production process. By leveraging the latest technology to manufacture high-quality products, we are creating an environment in which customers can use our products with peace of mind.

2. Pursuit of customer satisfaction

THK is constantly working to understand customer needs and improve our products accordingly. We earnestly listen to customer feedback and take measures to enhance quality and improve service. By providing products that satisfy our customers, we’re building relationships of trust and long-term partnerships.

3. Prompt response and free support

In keeping with our zero-defect guarantee, in the event that there is a problem with one of our products, we at THK will respond to it promptly and politely. We process returns and replacements or perform free repairs to minimize the burden on our customers. We promise to treat our customers’ profit as paramount and to respond to issues in good faith.

4. Investment in research and development

At THK, we devote ourselves to innovative product development. Our research and development team is constantly exploring new technologies and materials to develop products that bring new value to the automotive industry. We are constantly evolving to respond to customers’ needs.

5. Environmental consciousness

We at THK are also very environmentally conscious. As we work toward sustainable business practices, we strive to contribute to the global environment by reducing our impact on it and utilizing renewable energy. By promoting energy-saving and recycling initiatives internally, we further carry out our social responsibilities.

6. Customized solutions

THK provides customized products to meet our customers’ diverse needs. Through close collaboration with automotive manufacturers and suppliers, we’re able to respond flexibly to customer demands and provide optimal products.

7. Contributing to the evolution of the automotive industry

At THK, we are always working to contribute to the evolution of the automotive industry. By providing innovative products and excellent service to enhance vehicle safety and comfort, we are helping improve all parts of the car experience.

Working Toward Enhanced Quality and Improved Service

"Everyone on the production floor has an accurate understanding of the meaning of their work and the importance of quality control."

This candid quote comes from a customer who visited a THK plant. As they would at other companies, all of the workers and machine operators in the plant follow work instructions as they do their jobs. Everyone on the production floor at THK understands the purpose of the parameters, management scope, and inspection items at each process, and each person is aware of the impact that a problem coming from their area would have on processes downstream, on our product, and on the customer’s product.

THK is always ready to listen to the voices of our customers, and we continue to increase customer trust and satisfaction by working to enhance quality and improve service. Even as we take pride in our contributions to the evolution of the automotive industry and in our ability to support a safe, comfortable car experience, we will continue to provide all of our customers with valuable products and services.

Contact information

THK LM SYSTEM Pte. Ltd.
38 Kaki Bukit Place LM Techno Building Singapore 416216
Tel： +65-6884-5500 / Fax：+65-6884-5550
E-Mail：sales@thksg.com

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