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Harnessing Time and Cost Efficiency in Manufacturing with MISUMI

On November 14, 2025, MISUMI Group held a special factory tour at its Shimizu plant for 37 winners of its promotional campaign, focused on optimizing design work in terms of both time and cost. The campaign, which began in July, aimed to raise awareness of the challenges in manufacturing and the innovative solutions MISUMI provides to address these issues.

As a company dedicated to enhancing efficiency in design, procurement, and manufacturing processes, MISUMI has been proactive in adapting digital technologies to counter the inefficiencies that still plague the manufacturing sector. The initiative was also driven by a desire to foster collaboration between the company and its customers in the manufacturing industry, providing insights into the company’s cutting-edge digital production solutions.

Behind the Initiative: Enhancing Efficiency in Manufacturing

MISUMI's philosophy revolves around eliminating inefficiencies and waste in the manufacturing process. The campaign to introduce the factory tour was rooted in the idea of sharing solutions that can make design work more manageable. The tour offered participants an inside look at the company's digital manufacturing capabilities, showcasing processes that significantly reduce lead times from order to delivery.

Participants were shown various production systems, including the advanced ALASHI Stadium, a digital production system capable of precision grinding in just one day for complex, variable orders. This system allows for the production of high-quality mold components with improved efficiency.

Additionally, the meviy digital manufacturing system was highlighted for its role in quickly producing custom machining parts while reducing costs, thanks to a unique no-human production system, demonstrating how digital evolution can lead to overwhelming reductions in lead times and costs.

Understanding Manufacturing Innovations: Panel Discussion

Following the factory tour, a panel discussion titled “The Evolution of MISUMI’s Manufacturing” took place, featuring MISUMI representatives and production managers discussing the journey to their current production structure. The discussion allowed for an exchange of ideas, where participants shared challenges they faced in their own companies, facilitating a lively dialogue on manufacturing complexities.

Feedback from Participants: Insights Gained

Feedback from attendees highlighted valuable lessons and insights gained from the tour. A manufacturing department representative noted that the creativity and foresight in MISUMI's self-developed machines inspired introspection regarding their practices. Another participant from a consumer goods company expressed admiration for the company’s agility in system development and the understanding gained from observing their automation practices.

MISUMI's Digital Model Shift: The Future of Manufacturing

The MISUMI Group continues to leverage digital technologies to revolutionize manufacturing processes for their customers. Since the launch of its internet-based ordering system in 2000, MISUMI has been at the forefront of innovation, allowing seamless online transactions from part selection to order completion. The introduction of meviy, which utilizes AI for automated estimates based solely on 3D design data, exemplifies the company’s commitment to enhancing productivity in the manufacturing sector.

As part of its growth strategy, MISUMI emphasizes the Digital Model Shift, offering new value through 'Vitamin MISUMI' and 'Fun MISUMI' initiatives that aim to streamline design and procurement processes. This strategy significantly elevates productivity while simultaneously achieving cost reductions through optimized sourcing services.

MISUMI's goal is to free customers from the burdens of mundane tasks, enabling them to focus on more creative aspects of their work. By transforming every individual’s 'time' into something valuable, they strive to achieve sustainable growth together with their customers.

About Suruga Production Platform

Established in April 2005 through a corporate merger, the Suruga Production Platform is fundamental to MISUMI’s operations, specializing in precision parts manufacturing and maintaining a top global share in punch and die components. With facilities in Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, China, Thailand, and India, they serve as the backbone of the company’s overarching production endeavors.

About MISUMI

MISUMI stands as a unique model in the industry, selling automation parts, tools, and consumables to over 323,000 companies globally (as of March 2025). Their approach as both a manufacturer and a distributor has enabled them to uphold a strong commitment to reliable and prompt delivery while enhancing customer convenience.