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KYOCERA to Build New Facility in Shiga, Japan to Produce Automated Equipment for "Smart Factory"

The facility will develop company’s own production equipment to strengthen its use of robotics and AI technology

April 8, 2019Japan

Kyocera Corporation (President: Hideo Tanimoto) announced that it has started construction of a new manufacturing facility on the premises of its Yasu manufacturing complex in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The new facility will develop and produce Kyocera’s own proprietary automated production equipment, enabling the company to strengthen its use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing. The company held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 3 at the site.

Image:Architect’s rendering of new Shiga Yasu Plant facility
Architect’s rendering of new Shiga Yasu Plant facility


“We are excited to welcome the new production facility here, in Shiga, which will contribute our company’s factory automation. By reforming production processes, we aim to double productivity,” said Yoshinobu Ozaki, Manager of the Shiga Yasu Plant.

The recent domestic labor shortage is gradually impeding the growth of the Japanese economy. According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the population of Japanese workers age 15-64 totaled approximately 76 million in 2017 — and is expected to decrease to around 60 million by 2040. Other developed nations facing similar conditions, this population decline has become a global issue. To overcome this rapid labor shortage, Kyocera has encouraged its production sites to adopt cutting-edge technologies, including AI and robotics, which can double productivity. Further, the company aims to achieve higher growth and profitability by reducing costs while reforming its production processes.

Image:Groundbreaking ceremony Image:Groundbreaking ceremony
Groundbreaking ceremony


As part of a comprehensive action plan toward doubling productivity, Kyocera will consolidate partial operations from two different sites, — a research and development site currently located in Daito, Osaka and a manufacturing site in Yohkaichi, Shiga, — with its manufacturing site in Yasu, Shiga, which produces equipment for the company’s own factories and offices. By moving these sites to the Yasu Plant and doubling space for development and manufacturing, Kyocera will establish a high-speed development process.

Details of the New Facility
Name Kyocera Corporation Shiga Yasu Plant (29th facility on the premises)
Location 800 Ichimiyake, Yasu, Shiga 520-2362 Japan
Total investment Approximately 5 billion yen (approx. 45 million dollars)
Building area 3,849 m2 steel construction with 4 stories
Total floor space 13,305 m2
Construction plan Construction begins: April 2019; Operation starts: April 2020
Main products Development and production of proprietary manufacturing equipment

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