Fukuhara Needle Co., Ltd., based in the resort town of Shirahama, Wakayama, has been officially certified as a 'FY2025 Best Practice Enterprise' by the Wakayama Labour Bureau. The company, which exports high-quality knitting needles to over 90 countries, was recognized for its breakthrough labor reforms in the manufacturing sector.
### Employee Security Securing 62 Years of Tradition Since its founding in 1964, Fukuhara Needle has specialized in manufacturing essential needles for knit fabrics used in sportswear and car seats. Their philosophy, 'The company exists only because of its employees,' drives their commitment to creating an environment where workers can balance career and personal life, ensuring the long-term preservation of their world-class craftsmanship.
### Achieving 85.4% Paid Leave and 60% Paternal Leave Through close collaboration with the labor union, the company has achieved metrics rarely seen in manufacturing: - Paid Leave Utilization Rate: 85.4% - Paternal Leave Rate: Over 60% - Average Length of Service: 18.4 years These figures are supported by a culture of mutual aid and a flexible 'hourly paid leave' system that accommodates personal needs like childcare and medical visits.
### Overcoming Barriers with 'Multi-Skilling' To address the manufacturing challenge where 'production stops if someone is absent,' Fukuhara Needle implemented a 'multi-skilling' (Tanoko-ka) strategy. By training employees to handle multiple production processes, the company created a resilient system where the team can naturally support each other during sudden illnesses or long-term parental leave.
### CEO Message: Yuji Fukuhara 'Prioritizing an environment where every employee can work with peace of mind is our top priority. This certification is a result of our joint efforts with the labor union. We will continue to pursue a work style that doesn't compromise on either professional excellence or personal life in the beautiful nature of Shirahama.'
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- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News