#Japan #Innovation #Chiba #ItoKie #Kanto Factory

Revamping the Workspace: ItoKie's Initiative for a Work-Friendly Factory

Introduction to the Transformation

On September 11, 2025, ItoKie Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, revealed a comprehensive redesign of the office area at its Kanto Factory in Chiba City. This renovation represents an advanced case of human capital management in manufacturing, focusing on tapping into employees' capacities and motivations to enhance organizational engagement and productivity.

The Challenge and Vision: Addressing Factory Issues through Space

In the manufacturing sector, challenges like talent shortages, safety measures, and the need for enhanced productivity and innovation are emerging as critical concerns. Creating a workplace environment where employees can work positively and healthily is essential to tackle these issues. Traditionally, factories emphasized production efficiency, yet today, there is a growing demand for these spaces to foster innovation and idea generation.

With the aim of optimizing productivity at the Kanto Factory, ItoKie undertook a complete overhaul of its office area. The transformation was initiated by gathering ideas from employees about their ideal working conditions, leading to a complete revival of the old office that had been in use for 17 years. ItoKie plans to accept visits to the newly designed office as a showroom, aspiring to contribute solutions to challenges faced in manufacturing through their model of human capital management derived from spatial design.

"Challenge to Craft": Realizing a Desirable Workplace

The renovation project, named "Challenge to Craft," embodies the future of work within the manufacturing environment. Guided by a project manager, the initiative focused on collaboration, gathering employee feedback through surveys and workshops, leading to a creative and inclusive design process.

At the core of this undertaking is the belief that a supportive environment contributes to both employee welfare and the attractiveness of the manufacturing profession, reinforcing the idea that a healthy workspace enhances quality product creation. The space was designed with two perspectives in mind: the evolving factory, which supports continuous improvement, and lively engagement, ensuring a safe and dynamic work atmosphere.

Major Challenges: Reducing Paper Clutter

One of the most significant challenges faced during the renovation was reducing the clutter of paperwork. With many documents requiring legal storage, excessive paperwork was overwhelming the workspace. A thorough disposal and organization led to an 80% reduction in office documentation, allowing for a more spacious and pleasant office layout.

Addressing Factory Challenges through Spatial Design

1. Tackling Talent Shortages: Supporting Flexible Working Styles

In this renovation, various spaces such as group desks, focus areas, solo booths, collaborative zones, laboratories, and cafes were structured to accommodate varied employee preferences and tasks. This setup encourages a flexible working environment within the manufacturing domain. The interior design follows ItoKie's guideline “ITOKI SENSE 2025,” focusing on natural materials like wood and stone to create a high-quality, comfortable workspace.

2. Ensuring Safety: Diverse Spaces for Focus and Relaxation

Beyond physical safety, mental health stability among employees is crucial in manufacturing. The renovation considers these aspects by creating open spaces filled with greenery, cafes for relaxation, room settings conducive to informal gatherings, and quiet areas for focused work. This variety encourages employees to switch seamlessly between focus and relaxation, enhancing productivity and maintaining motivation.

3. Enhancing Productivity and Innovation: Group Addressing Strategy

Smooth communication within teams can significantly impact quality and safety in manufacturing. The introduction of a group addressing system, allowing teams to utilize flexible seating arrangements instead of fixed desks, promotes immediate collaboration and responsiveness. Additionally, double address seating encourages interdisciplinary cooperation.

Future Prospects: Expanding Human Capital Management via Space

The renovation reflects ItoKie's commitment to investing in office environments to enhance human capital—a mission it has pursued in various locations, including headquarters and other sites. Moving forward, they intend to leverage this initiative in spatial proposals and tours as part of their work culture reform efforts.

Through thoughtful workspace design, ItoKie remains dedicated to facilitating better working practices and discovering the full potential of its employees.

Kanto Factory Overview

• - Name: ItoKie's Kanto Factory
• - Address: 2-5-1, Ohno-dai, Midori Ward, Chiba City, Chiba 267-0056, Japan
• - Number of Employees: Approximately 130 (as of August 2025)
• - Tours: Available for corporate customers by reservation from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

About ItoKie

Founded in 1890, ItoKie aims to design the future of workplaces through office furniture production and sales, space design, consulting, and various service offerings. Focusing on sustainability and employee engagement has become central to their mission, as they strive for a vibrant and livable society for all.