Columbus, Ohio Seminar to Examine Japanese Manufacturing Philosophies in the Automotive Industry, and Their Relationship to Japan - U.S. Collaboration

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 13 -- On Thursday, May 28, 2009, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio will present a luncheon and seminar entitled, "Japanese Monozukuri Practices for the Automotive Industry: Enhancing Collaboration Between North American and Japanese Enterprises & Sustaining a Culture of Manufacturing Talent."

The event, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, from 11:15 a.m.-6:00 p.m., is part of the 2009 U.S.-Japan Manufacturing Technology Series, and will feature industry leaders offering practical guidance for businesses seeking to obtain and sustain business relationships with Japanese manufacturers.

The theme of Monozukuri - the spirit and quest for manufacturing excellence - will be presented to American management as a catalyst to foster innovation, collaboration, interaction, and cooperation with their Japanese counterparts, and to share insights on the manufacturing philosophies and production processes in Japan.

The program will begin with opening remarks from the Hon. Ted Strickland, Governor of the State of Ohio, and a luncheon address focused on the state of the automotive industry by Judson McKinley, Executive Vice President, IRN Inc., of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The seminar portion will be highlighted by a Keynote Address from Yoshihiro Saka, COO, of Denso North America, Maryville, Tennessee. Others on the program include: Muneo Takashi, Chief Executive Director, JETRO Chicago; Ted Kawashima, Director, Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA), North America Office, Novi, MI; Hachiro Okura, Manager, F-Tech North America, Inc., Troy, OH; Jeff Cope, Director of International Sales, Atlantic Tool & Die Company, Strongsville, OH; Jim Diederich, Vice President, Marketing, Assembly & Test Worldwide Inc., Dayton, OH; Roy Verstraete, President, Anchor Danly, Windsor, Ontario; and Glenn Stevens, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), Troy, MI.

  The seminar will feature simultaneous translation (English and Japanese).

  The afternoon will end with a networking reception at 5:00 p.m.

The program is supported by the Ohio Department of Development, the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA), the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).

  Program details:

  Date: Thursday, May 28, 2009

Time: Registration at 11:15 a.m.; Welcome Remarks at 12:00 p.m.; Luncheon at 12:25 p.m.; Seminar at 1:55 p.m.; Networking Reception at 5:00 p.m.

Location: Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio

Registration/cost: The cost of the luncheon and seminar is $50. Advance online registration is required for this event through the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio. Please visit JASCO for online registration.