When you hear "a company that makes robots," what kind of impression do you have?
You might imagine a sophisticated corporation or a promising venture company.
In fact, there is a company located in the rural area of Kurashiki that has been in business for over 50 years, and it is creating robot systems that are active overseas.
That company is Matsumoto Tekko Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, Matsumoto Tekko).
Matsumoto Tekko is a company engaged in the industrial robot system business, primarily introduced in manufacturing sites.
Moreover, they not only manufacture but also provide a comprehensive service from proposal, design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and repair, to improvements of existing robot systems.
What kind of characteristics does Matsumoto Tekko, which creates industrial robot systems, have?
Also, how are robot systems made?
We will introduce Matsumoto Tekko, which has been active in the field of industrial robot systems for many years.
Matsumoto Tekko is a "Robot System Integrator" engaged in the industrial robot system business
Matsumoto Tekko was founded by the first president, Matsumoto Kazuo, in May 1965 in the current Mizushima area of Kurashiki City, Kitase.
In 2020, it celebrated its 55th anniversary, making it a historic company.
In July 1989, it moved to its current location in Urata.
In August 2011, Sugihara Yuta became the representative director.
The main business at the time of its founding was can manufacturing and the production and installation of iron products.
It was engaged in transactions with companies in the Mizushima industrial area.
From the late Showa era to the early Heisei era, the introduction of robots in the manufacturing industry, including the automotive industry, gradually increased.
In response, Matsumoto Tekko began maintenance services for robots.
Subsequently, it not only started robot maintenance services but also began manufacturing industrial robots.
Gradually, it began to focus on industrial robots, and the manufacturing and maintenance of industrial robot systems has become Matsumoto Tekko's current main business.
Industrial robot systems are mainly active in manufacturing sites.
Currently, Japanese manufacturing companies are expanding overseas.
Therefore, the industrial robot systems handled by Matsumoto Tekko are also active overseas.
About the industrial robot systems manufactured by Matsumoto Tekko
Matsumoto Tekko operates as a Robot System Integrator (Robot SIer), proposing, designing, and assembling machine systems using robots.
It is also a member of the Japan Robot Association.
They respond to customer needs and provide a comprehensive service from proposal, design, manufacturing, to installation of industrial robot systems tailored to each environment.
Additionally, they perform necessary maintenance, repairs, and improvements after installation, which is a characteristic of their robust support for robot system implementation.
By the way, when it comes to manufacturing robot systems, it might be hard to imagine at first.
You might think, "Is there a robot that makes robots?"
However, the manufacturing of Matsumoto Tekko's robot systems is primarily done by human hands.
This might be surprising.
From design to cutting, welding, processing of materials, painting, assembly, and even installation work at the delivery site, Matsumoto Tekko's employees perform all tasks manually.
They are truly a group of professionals with the skills and knowledge that can be called "robot artisans."
Industrial robot systems are mainly used in manufacturing sites of manufacturers.
The strength of robots lies in their ability to perform extremely precise tasks repeatedly at a constant speed without error.
Robot systems are active in various industries, and examples include the following:
- Automobiles and automotive parts
- Electronics
- Electronic components and devices
- Food
- Machine tools
Even if companies in the same industry manufacture the same products, the methods and environments differ by company.
Matsumoto Tekko considers and proposes robot systems suitable for each company.
This is a unique strength of Matsumoto Tekko, which has been responsible for many companies' robot systems over the years.
Initiatives using IT
Matsumoto Tekko utilizes IT in its operations, primarily in sales.
Sales staff are provided with tablet devices.
They have also introduced online services.
All materials and photos used in work are shared through online services, allowing them to be viewed on the tablets they carry.
For example, during meetings or business negotiations, they display selected materials or photo data from the online service on the tablet screen to explain.
Since there is no need to print, they can cut down on printing hassle and costs, and there is no need to store or carry printed materials.
Other examples of IT utilization include scanning written daily reports and managing them digitally.
Furthermore, President Sugihara is very knowledgeable about work techniques using tablet devices (iPads).
He also operates his own website.
Introduction of a unique personnel evaluation system
Matsumoto Tekko has introduced a unique personnel evaluation system.
Evaluations and salary assessments occur every six months.
Additionally, the Matsumoto Tekko personnel evaluation system features not only promotions but also demotions.
If the previous term did not go well, there is still an opportunity to recover in the next term.
Evaluation and salary amounts are presented in a table by job type, making it easier to understand.
In addition to personnel evaluations, there are qualification allowances.
While Matsumoto Tekko has a unique personnel evaluation system, it also offers traditional Japanese corporate benefits such as housing allowances and family allowances.
Bonuses are given once a year.
The amount of the bonus varies based on each individual's performance over the past year.
Additionally, a rare benefit in terms of welfare is free consultations with Matsumoto Tekko's legal advisor.
Private consultations are also available.
Also developing the "Furi Furi Chicken" business
In addition to its main business of industrial robot systems, Matsumoto Tekko is also engaged in other businesses.
This is the restaurant business called Kahana’s.
Kahana’s sells a food product called Furi Furi Chicken.
Furi Furi Chicken is a famous dish from Hawaii, USA, which is a type of whole roasted chicken.
The whole chicken is attached to a special device and roasted while rotating.
Kahana’s has two locations: the main store in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and one in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
In Tokyo, they operate a food truck and also participate in events.
Additionally, they are expanding into rental and sales of Furi Furi Chicken equipment for events.
Despite being a long-established company with over 50 years of history, Matsumoto Tekko is active in the cutting-edge field of robot systems.
They are also proactive in new initiatives such as their personnel evaluation system and work using tablet devices.
We conducted an interview with the representative director, Sugihara Yuta.
Data on Matsumoto Tekko Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Matsumoto Tekko Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing (various robot systems) |
| Representative Name | Sugihara Yuta |
| Year Established | Established: 1967, Founded: 1965 |
| Address | 501-10 Urata-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-427-2272 |
| Website | Design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of various industrial machinery and equipment - Matsumoto Tekko Co., Ltd. |
