Nagano Plant (GP)
Production of hydraulic-hose fitting and auto-hose fitting parts, and the production of self-sealing assemblies, coupling assemblies, hydraulic-hose assemblies, and auto-hose assemblies
Total site area28,169 m2
Number of employees346 (as of June 2024)
Location9100 Kawano, Toyooka-mura, Shimoina-gun, Nagano 399-3201, JAPAN
Nagano Plant (Takamori)
19,809 m2
Location548 Yoshida, Takamori-cho, Shimoina-gun, Nagano 399-3102, JAPAN
*Production operations ceased in late June 2017.
Plant Control Section
Tel: +81-265-34-2051 Fax: +81-265-34-2052
E-mail: akihiko.sugeta @y-yokohama.com
Message from the General Manager
Eita Minegishi
The Nagano Plant began operations in the town of Takamori in 1961.
In 2013, we began implementation of a plan to integrate the metal fittings processing and hose assembly operations of the Hoses and Couplings Division. The first stage in this project was the relocation of the functions of the Hiratsuka-Higashi plant (in Kanagawa Prefecture) to a new factory built in Toyooka Village; this relocation was completed in February 2014.
In 2015, work began on the construction of a new factory on an adjacent site; and this was completed in November 2016. We then proceeded to move the functions of the Takamori Plant to the new factory, the relocation of major production facilities was completed in June 2017, and this marked a major new step forward for us with the development of integrated production, including everything from metal fittings processing through to hose assembly.
Through machining and cutting processes that make use of equipment such as multi-axis CNC machines and NC lathes, etc., we produce oil pressure hose clasps and hose clasps for automobiles; we also complete the production of hoses produced at the Ibaraki Plant by caulking and assembling them. These products are then supplied to various hosepipe markets such as the construction machinery, machine tools and automobile manufacturing industries.
Besides being used for assembly in our own factory, the clasps that we manufacture are also supplied to affiliated plants in Japan and overseas and to other domestic customers nationwide. Furthermore, we don’t just engage in the cutting of clasps, we also undertake the assembly of self-seal couplings.
The Nagano factory is located on the east bank of the Tenryu River, in the Ina Valley with its beautiful natural scenery, bordered by the Southern Alps (Akaishi Range) and the Central Alps (Kiso Range).
Precisely because of our location in such a marvelous natural environment, we are determined to keep the burden that we place on the environment as small as possible, and we are implementing various measures aimed at combatting global warming and at contributing to the development of a recycling-based, low-carbon society through energy conservation, resource-saving and recycling.
As regards energy-saving, in addition to promoting familiar energy-saving activities both at the plant and in the homes of all employees by acting as one, by introducing and renewing power saving-type equipment within the plant and seeking to control the wasteful use of energy, we are actively striving to help prevent global warming.
As part of our community outreach efforts, we have resumed biodiversity conservation activities around the regulating pond since fiscal year 2021. We conduct aquatic life surveys and bird surveys around the factory to contribute to conservation efforts.
On September 7, 2015, thanks to assistance provided by Nagano Prefectural Government, we signed a “Forest Stewardship Agreement” with Toyooka Village and began to undertake satoyama (traditional community-managed forest) conservation work with respect to the area around the Toyooka Village Gymnasium and Sports Ground. In 2016, our efforts in these activities received recognition in the awarding of the Shimoina Forest Association Chairman’s Prize in the Minami Shinshu Healthy Forests Awards.
Concerning the “Yokohama Forever Forest Project” that has continued since 2007, we concluded the plan for stage VI tree planting activities in 2013, and in 2016 we donated a total of 1,040 seedlings grown at the plant to local towns and villages.
For the Tenryu River which flows through the region, each year we proactively participate as a party in charge of allocations during the river cleanup (the environment picnic).
We also make effective use of opportunities for communication and exchange with the residents of Takamori and Toyooka, for example by arranging plant tours for local elementary and high school students and members of local organizations, etc.
We actively participate in the annual Tenryu River cleanup (environmental picnic) as the designated section leader for our area.
We also strive to deepen the understanding of our business activities and environmental conservation efforts by inviting local elementary and high schools, local chambers of commerce, and other organizations to our factory for tours. Through these exchanges with Takamori Town and Toyooka Village, we listen to the voices of the local community.
We actively welcome visits from our customers, including visits to our material and parts suppliers who support our operations, as well as exchanges between our on-site workers and those of our partner companies. By fostering smooth communication, we aim to become a business that can better meet market demands within the supply chain.
Organizational Governance
Concerning decision-making, a system is in place so that monthly meetings are held for each different area. Safety and health issues are decided by the Safety and Health Committee, environment issues by the Environment Committee, energy issues by the Energy Savings Committee, and quality issues by the Quality Committee. Furthermore, Section Chief Meetings and Follow-up Meetings are held as required to make decisions on plant-wide issues. Employees are notified of the decisions made by this committee system through daily communications and by the General Manager’s Morning Meeting held at the start of each month.
As regards compliance awareness-raising activities, at the end of each monthly Safety and Health Committee meeting, the Safety and Health Section Chief (who also serves as head of the Corporate Compliance Department) uses the Department’s “Workplace Learning Session Materials” to implement education for the meeting participants. In each workplace, the members of the Safety and Health Committee implement the activities decided on at the workplace safety and health committee meetings on a plant-wide basis.
Human Rights
Supply chain relations
We plan regular visits to our component suppliers, adhering to the "three realities" principle - Genba (actual place), Genbutsu (actual object), and Genjitsu (actual situation) - to confirm their production and quality control status firsthand. Through collaboration, we aim to achieve greater heights together.
Labor Practices
Nagano Plant Safety and Health Policy
Following the Management Policy “Create a workplace that values, improves and energizes people,” Yokohama Rubber shall consider the safety and health to be the basis for everything, and focus on preventing occupational accidents and creating workplaces comfortable and healthy both physically and mentally.
Health and Safety Policy- Giving top priority to the safety and health, participating by all members and developing globally, whole Yokohama Rubber group will improve the safety and health activities.
- Yokohama Rubber will comply with all laws and regulations related to the safety and health, and take continuous improvement for the safety and health.
- Yokohama Rubber will communicate with stake holders and cooperate with value chains to contribute to the local communities and the society.
- Yokohama Rubber will strengthen the use of the Occupational Safety and Health Management System and repeat the PDCA cycle for continuous improvement.
- Yokohama Rubber will carry out Risk Assessments for the “safety of the equipment” and “establishment of the Standard Operating Procedure” to promote reduction of the risk.
- Being a part of the automotive industry, Yokohama Rubber will take preventive measures against traffic accidents.
- Yokohama Rubber will create the safe and comfortable workplace, and take measures to promote physical and mental health positively.
- Yokohama Rubber will make employees recognize the importance of the safety and the health, and provide education and training for them as required.
- Yokohama Rubber shall publish this policy and make it known to all.
January 1, 2024
Nagano Plant,Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
General Manager
Eita Minegishi
Disaster-prevention drills
Emergency drills were held on October 31 and November 7. Self-defense firefighting drills were also held in conjunction with these drills.
Water fire extinguisher training was also conducted for employees. The training was designed to ensure that employees are trained in the use of fire extinguishers and are able to quickly extinguish fires.
Evacuation Drill
Formation of each team
Assumed power outage drill
Firefighting training with water
Initial firefighting training
The Environment
Nagano Plant environmental policy
Following the norm of "valuing fairness to society and harmony with the environment" as stated in our management policy, we will become a top-level environmentally friendly business site that embodies "caring for the future" for the sake of the global environment.
- Under the leadership of senior management, the Nagano Plant, as an integrated clasp-processing and assembly operation, works on reducing environmental impacts at all stages on a global level, from production to waste recycling/handling, by implementing world-acclaimed environmental activities that are uniform through the Group.
- In order to remain a plant that is trusted by society, we strive continuously to prevent environmental pollution and sensory pollution and to reduce environmental impact through chemical substance management in our effort to improve the environment. We achieve this by strengthening our environmental management systems and adopting a proactive stance in an aim for zero environmental risks.
- To achieve carbon neutrality, we will promote decarbonization measures such as energy-saving activities and introduction of renewable energy. We will also promote resource conservation and recycling to realize a recycling-oriented society.
- We observe the environment-related laws and regulations applicable to the plant, and other agreements which we have entered into, and we continue to implement measures aimed at furthering environmental protection.
- We work to promote cooperation with the value chain and to contribute to both the local community and society as a whole. While doing so, we shall respect international regulations and deepen our communication with stakeholders.
- We have set out environmental objectives and targets to realize the environmental policy of the plant, and we prepare and implement plans accordingly.
- We maintain communications with the local community, and promote activities in harmony with the region that also make a positive contribution to the region.
- We will strive to conserve biological diversity irreplaceable in the region and use natural resources in a sustainable manner in our business activities.
- To improve their own understanding, awareness, and actions, we educate and enlighten all our employees and individuals so that they fully understand this environmental policy.
- Our environmental policy shall be made available to the public upon request.
January 1, 2024
Nagano Plant,Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
General Manager
Eita Minegishi
Environmental data (Nagano Plant)
Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions at Nagano Plant and their indices (base year = 100)
- Base year is defined as 1990 except for HFC, PFC and SF6, where the base year is 1995 as per the Kyoto Protocol.
- Greenhouse gases (GHG) calculated in accordance with the Calculation and Reporting Manual for Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry).
Note that GHG emissions associated with purchased power in FY2009 were calculated using the table of Emission Coefficients by Power Company (Ministry of the Environment).
Effective use of resources / Waste reductions
Waste output
Water usage
Measures for discharges into water, air and soil
Data related to water contamination
Move the screen to the left or right to see the table information
| Plant Name Drain Name |
Item | Regulatory values | Voluntary standard values | FY2023 result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | Maximum | Minimum | ||||
| Nagano Plant （Takamori） |
pH | 5.8～8.6 | 6.0～8.0 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 6 |
| BOD concentration (mg/l) | 160 or less | 22 or less | 1.3 | 1.6 | 0.9 | |
| COD concentration (mg/l) | 160 or less | 25 or less | 3 | 3.2 | 2.9 | |
| SS concentration (mg/l) | 200 or less | ― | 2.4 | 2.5 | 2.3 | |
| Plant and animal oil concentration (mg/l) | 5 or less | ― | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | |
| Mineral oil concentration (mg/l) | 30 or less | ― | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | |
| Nagano Plant （Toyooka） |
pH | 5.8～8.6 | 6.0～8.0 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 6.2 |
| BOD concentration (mg/l) | 160 or less | 22 or less | 2.3 | 3.3 | 1.2 | |
| COD concentration (mg/l) | 160 or less | 25 or less | 3.2 | 4.1 | 2.3 | |
| SS concentration (mg/l) | 200 or less | ― | 3.3 | 4.2 | 2.4 | |
| Plant and animal oil concentration (mg/l) | 5 or less | ― | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | |
| Mineral oil concentration (mg/l) | 30 or less | ― | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | Less than 0.5 | |
- Not subject to legal regulation (Voluntary standard measurement, twice or more per year)
- Regulatory values are in compliance with the ordinances of Nagano Prefecture
- Takamori : Water discharged to Oshima River, Toyooka : Water discharged to Terasawa River
Reporting on chemical substance management status (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law compliance)
The Nagano Plant verifies whether secondary materials and auxiliary materials contain chemical substances subject to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements, and in the case of substances where the amounts handled exceed the thresholds specified by the PRTR Law, annual reports are submitted to the national (or prefectural) authorities and safety impact assessment is performed.
Regarding the handling of substances pursuant to the PRTR Law, please refer to the Safety Evaluation Table of Domestic Production Bases.
Participation in the Tenryu River Environment Picnic (Cleanup)
The Tenryu River Water System Environmental Picnic, held for the first time in three years, saw a total of 58 participants, including local businesses and 25 Yokohama Rubber employees. We engaged in garbage collection along the Tenryu River and removal of invasive plants, specifically the "Alechiuri" (Sesbania exaltata).
Forever Forest
We completed our activities in the 6th period in 2013, having planted a total of 6,905 trees, exceeding our planned target. Currently, we are monitoring the growth of new seedlings sprouting from the Forever Forest site.
Furthermore, in the bamboo forest adjacent to Forever Forest site, bamboo shoots emerge in spring. Factory employees take them home and enjoy various dishes made with them.
Biodiversity conservation activities
The biodiversity conservation activities, which started in fiscal year 2013, were forced to halt in fiscal year 2017 due to the factory relocation from Takamori to Toyooka. However, the activities resumed in fiscal year 2021, and we began conducting aquatic life surveys around the regulating pond and in the drainage channel where factory wastewater flows.
The aquatic life survey was conducted with some skepticism about whether any organisms would be found in the drainage channel. Although we expected invasive species to be prevalent, we were able to identify several native species.
Satoyama Conservation Activity
On July 6, 2023, we conducted a "foster parent" activity. A total of 9 people participated in the clearing of undergrowth and lower branches.
MD Squad activities
As part of the MD team's activities, we have been working on initiatives such as promoting paperless operations, 2S (Seiri and Seiton, sorting and arranging) of the OA server, heatstroke prevention with green curtains, shredder introduction to reduce confidential document disposal costs, and energy-saving efforts.
In particular, for energy-saving activities, we have implemented improvements to air leaks from equipment using a device that quantifies the amount of compressed air leakage.
green curtain
green curtain
Air Leak Survey
Fair Operating Practices
Thorough statutory compliance
In fiscal year 2023, there were no legal violations or external complaints.
Consumer Issues
Internship
In August 2023, we hosted a high school internship program for one second-year student from Iida OID Nagashima High School. The student gained valuable experience that cannot be learned in the classroom, learning about the weight of responsibility and the importance of trust.
Community Involvement and Development
Donations to assist the local community
Red Feather Community Chest Donation ￥5,000
Ichida Lantern Floating Festival Donation ￥100,000
Toyooka Festival Donation ￥100,000
Employee Communication
In April, we planned a "strawberry picking" event for employees and their families, which was held over two days. The event was open to all employees working at the Nagano factory, from direct hires to dispatched workers.
A total of 399 people participated in April 2023.
Blood donations
June 19: 44 participants
November 15: 40 participants
