We value our connections with the local community and are committed to creating learning opportunities for the children who will lead the next generation. Introducing one of such our activities, the plant tour for children held in July at our Shido Plant in Kagawa, Japan.
Normally, we do not offer plant tours to the general public due to safety reasons. However, with the hope of getting local children interested in our products, business, and manufacturing, we hold a plant tour for elementary school students and their parents once in the summer holidays. Starting in 2024, we are creating this fun and educational event with the cooperation of the Kagawa University and the Kagawa Gennai Network.
The Kagawa Gennai Network is named after Gennai Hiraga, a Japanese well-known polymath and inventor born in what is now Shido in 18th century, and provides opportunities for children to participate in various science and craft experiments, hoping that children would develop true intelligence through these experiences.
You are now an expert on cranes and Tadano!
Out of the many applicants, 40 pairs of parents and children were lucky enough to be selected by lottery to visit the Shido Plant this year. On a scorching hot day with the maximum temperature exceeding 35°C, the program began in a cool room with the company introduction. Participants were given an overview of Tadano including product lineup, domestic and overseas production sites, and the manufacturing process of leading up to the completion of a crane.
Afterwards, the participants took part in two activities. One was a hands-on crafting experience called “Let’s Make a Crane Game” under the guidance of Professor Ishihara of Kagawa University, who is the representative of the Kagawa Gennai Network. Using only basic tools that can be found in any home and materials Prof. Ishihara prepared, participants recreated a mechanism that closely resembles the movement of a real crane. Although they struggled at times, they were engrossed in the process and enjoyed the project.
The other experience was a tour of the production line at Shido Plant and an opportunity to see, touch and ride the actual Tadano products. At first, the participants got a close-up look at the production line of rough terrain cranes in operation, watching cranes being assembled and experiencing the dynamism of the manufacturing site. The children seemed amazed by the impressive size and the complex structure of cranes.
After learning about the manufacturing process, the party of people went outside to find the completed cranes waiting for them. It was time for the long-awaited experience to ride the large cranes, the GR-130NL and a fully electric rough terrain crane EVOLT eGR-250N! Participants cheered as they witnessed the outstanding scale and unique design, and when they actually got to sit in the crane’s operation seat, the children’s eyes lit up as they enjoyed the experience, feeling like they were in the cockpit of a ride-on robot.
The program concluded with a Q&A session. It was a fulfilling time, with participants asking unique and original questions about topics such as the difference between automotive parts and crane parts, and even about horsepower.
In the survey conducted after the event, participants gave many positive comments, such as “It was exiting to be able to see places that we cannot normally get to see” and “It was a great opportunity to learn about local companies,” and we feel that it was a fruitful experience for both the participants and our company.
Tadano will continue to deepen the connection with the local community and promote educational initiatives that provide opportunities to discover what the manufacturing industries may offer. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated and cooperated in this project.