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Manufacturing
Small but steady efforts lead to positive results in environmental conservation
Hitachi Construction Machinery continues to make steady efforts to consume less energy. An example of this is an efficient use of electricity that is based on detailed measuring and analyses of our electricity consumption. We consider environmental soundness comprehensively, beginning at the point of manufacture.
Steady efforts towards the reduction of energy consumption
Reducing the consumption of energy at our plants is an important goal for Hitachi Construction Machinery, a company that consumes electricity every day for production. Electricity consumption at four plants, namely Tsuchiura Works, Kasumigaura Works, Hitachinaka Works and Hitachinaka-Rinko Works, is managed by the same group which draws up the graphs of electricity consumption at each plant. At Tsuchiura Works and Kasumigaura Works, which have fewer measuring points than the newer plants, (Hitachinaka Works and at Hitachinaka-Rinko Works) electricity consumption is measured manually and the data is input into the system terminals as required. The results are analyzed and made use of when making proposals for the consumption of less energy at worksites, and as the theme of small group activities.
At Tsuchiura Works, which consumes a particularly large quantity of electricity for the standby power of machines and for testing equipment, small steps are being taken that include switching off machines consuming standby power, even for short periods, the automatic switching off of machines during lunchtime, and the detection of air leaks from compressors by listening checks on non-operating days.
Environmental and safety measures at Hitachinaka-Rinko Works
Hitachinaka-Rinko Works was constructed in Ibaraki Port in May 2008 for the convenience of transportation and for the shipping of ultra-large machines. In this plant, a pleasant work environment is maintained even in buildings that have high ceilings -- necessary for the manufacture of ultra-large machines -- by using displacement air conditioning that efficiently maintains a pleasant temperature in the areas where people work. To cut back on the consumption of electricity, the roofs and external walls have been covered in high-performance thermal insulation, which is yet another effort being made towards conservation of the environment. Diverse environmental measures such as the use of high-efficiency lighting, storage-type electric water heating, and liquefied natural gas heat reservoirs, which were installed at Hitachinaka Works constructed in 2007, have also been installed at Hitachinaka-Rinko Works. Natural light coming through the roof and high-efficiency lighting make the inside of the plant bright and easy to work in, while at the same time reducing the consumption of energy.
Hitachinaka-Rinko Works
Excellent products manufactured at environmentally friendly and pleasant plants
Keiko Suzuki
Facilities Maintenance Section, Production Engineering Center
I analyze data pertaining to electricity consumption. I have made and will continue to make various proposals for the reduction of electricity consumption. One example: I devised a system to support the reduction of the consumption of energy for small group activities three years ago. I want to improve this system so that it is even more effectively used at the worksite.
Koji Ishigaki
Manager
Rationalization Section(Rinko Group), Production Engineering Center
There were many difficulties to overcome in the construction of Hitachinaka-Rinko Works, as it had to be completed in a short time because of a rise in production demands. Thanks to great teamwork and the power of "Kenkijins" who always find ways to conquer any difficulty, it was possible to do it. We also implemented special measures for soil salinity as the plant was constructed next to the sea. Concerning environmental measures, it was useful to be able to refer to the environmental measures implemented by Hitachinaka Works. My main focus has been on the completion of the plant, and from now on I will continue to strive to improve working conditions and to raise productivity.
