photo: Mizuho Takamura
text: Takehiko Nakanisihi
Volume 2 The person who came to see me was Yamada Body Industry Kazunori Yamada Mr. Miss.
Alumni who are currently business owners visit the campus,
A serial project looking back from that time to the present.
This time, as a specialized manufacturer of truck bodies,
Business partners and
It has received overwhelming support from users
He is the third-generation president of Yamada Body Industry.
Yamada Body Industry
Teikyo University Faculty of Science and Engineering
Graduated from Department of Mechanical and Precision Systems
Yamada Body Industry
President and CEO
Kazunori Yamada
| Head Office Location | 600, Matsunaga, Kaisei, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 410-0874 |
|---|---|
| Corporate philosophy | Sincerity, Execution, and Affinity |
| profile | Graduated from Teikyo University's Faculty of Science and Engineering in March 1995. With a view to future business succession, he gained experience in sales at a trading company, then joined Yamada Body Industry in 1997. He served as Managing Director from 2001, and took up his current position in 2003, when his father, the previous president, passed away. He has taken over the business, which specializes in the manufacture of truck bodies, and is demonstrating his management skills to ensure further evolution. |
The fact that I was able to spare no time andgive my all has proved to be a valuable asset.
Since its founding in 1946, Yamada Body Industry Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing truck bodies, mainly loading platforms, and is involved in all stages from development to sales. Amid economic crises such as the oil crisis, the collapse of the bubble economy, and the Lehman Shock, the number of competitors in the industry has fallen to less than half of what it was at its peak. However, Yamada Body Industry has survived thanks to its high level of technology and adaptability, and continues to operate without debt while actively investing in equipment.
Current president Yamada Kazunori had made up his mind to take over the company from his father even before entering university. At university he acquired the knowledge and skills required in the manufacturing industry, and after graduating he worked for one of the company's clients to hone his business acumen. Then, at the age of 30, he became the third-generation president. The company currently has about 300 employees. They manufacture about 700 custom-made truck bodies per year. Although he is in a position to take command alone, Yamada's stance is the exact opposite. He listens to the voices around him and values human relationships above all else. We got a glimpse of this senior colleague who is gentle with everyone.
From being a student to becoming a manager, asa senior looks back on
Four years that seemed long but were short at the same time.
How to understand it
It will change your life.
I studied manufacturing at university, and the knowledge and experience I gained are useful to me now working in the manufacturing industry. The most memorable thing was the meaningful time I spent in Utsunomiya.
I made more friends through classes, clubs, and dormitory-like apartments, and we developed friendships that went beyond grades and departments. I am still in contact with about 10 people who I studied with in the same research lab. Those relationships, in which I could talk to them about anything, became a lifelong asset.
The important thing is how you interpret the four years you are given. Looking back, there are many things I have left undone, such as studying abroad, and it was a precious time that seemed long but was short. If you are unsure of your career path, put all your effort into what is happening in front of you. It will be an asset for you in the future.
Business is a give-and-take business.
Give your opponent an escape route
It's also important to create.
After graduating, I got a job at an aluminum materials trading company, with which I still do business, and worked there for two and a half years as a sales representative. I learned etiquette and how to interact with customers from scratch, and built the foundation for life as a member of society.
As I put my all into everything I do, I realized the importance of thorough reporting, communication, and consultation with the people involved. Many problems arise from a lack of communication. Even now, I try to have face-to-face conversations.
Another lesson learned from the advice from his boss: "Give them an escape route." Even if the other person is at fault, if you push them into a corner, you may even lose your relationship. He keeps in mind that business is about mutual support, and valuing human relationships is part of his management philosophy.
The more you want to get your point across, the more you explain.
To gain understanding by seeking instruction.
I became president the year my father, the previous president, passed away. I had been preparing myself mentally for several years, so I made plans for what I would do after assuming the position, and although I was only 30 years old, I took over the business with determination.
If I had to talk about a hardship, I felt that people inside and outside the company were concerned about my age and lack of experience. So when I wanted to get my point across, I tried to explain things carefully to those around me and ask for their help in order to gain their understanding. My goal is to continue to be "Yamada, which continues to evolve" as a leader in truck body manufacturing.
Since I became president, I have been proactive in making capital investments, even in the face of headwinds such as the economic crisis and recession. I believe that we have been able to sustain growth as a company because we have steadily laid the groundwork to prepare for the future. The results of our work are tangible and are running on public roads, contributing to the social economy. With this sense of fulfillment in their hearts, our employees work with pride, and this is what motivates me.
Yamada Body Industry
The company was founded in 1946, primarily manufacturing truck cabs and loading platforms made from wooden frames. It consistently carries out development, design, manufacturing and sales, and meets the expectations of the ever-changing logistics industry with the motto of "giving shape to needs." Its main product is the "flap body," which allows the rear and both sides of the loading platform to open and close. When a user places an order for a new car, the company receives orders from automakers, and each vehicle is custom-made. It has its own know-how and patents, and has earned tremendous support for its outstanding performance and quality.
I visited my alma mater for the first time in a while. Seniors walk around the campus, which is a mix of old and new buildings.
Back at school for the first time in a while
Here we are.
Across the corridor
Go around the campus.
I met Professor Isogai, who was a student at the time, and Professor Makita, who was a student at the same time.
Looking at the graduation album,
Reminiscing about my student days
look back.
To the school cafeteria full of memories.
My favorite menu was
curry.
"It reminded me of my student days and brought me back to my roots," he said as he left the campus.
We visited new facilities on Utsunomiya Campus that did not exist when we were students.
We will take a fresh look at Teikyo University's Educational Philosophy of "“One’s way”."
"I am truly impressed" with the training facility specializing in automobile maintenance and testing.
"The name is different from before, but it's much more complete now."
Yamada Body Industry
The company was founded in 1946, primarily manufacturing truck cabs and loading platforms made from wooden frames. It consistently carries out development, design, manufacturing and sales, and meets the expectations of the ever-changing logistics industry with the motto of "giving shape to needs." Its main product is the "flap body," which allows the rear and both sides of the loading platform to open and close. When a user places an order for a new car, the company receives orders from automakers, and each vehicle is custom-made. It has its own know-how and patents, and has earned tremendous support for its outstanding performance and quality.
