ORGANIZATION
Production and R&D Infrastructure
Our goal
– Become the world’s leading automotive parts manufacturer
Synergies derived by combining the core strengths of Shiroki and Aisin
In 2016, the operations of Shiroki and Aisin Seiki were integrated. Previously, the two companies were competitors in the markets for auto body parts, chiefly functional seat parts and decorative and functional auto body components. The objective is to use the collective technologies of the two companies to supply products that are even more competitive. The result was the creation of a single team of two equal partners, the primary feature of the integration, rather than a merger or absorption. Shiroki uses its knowledge involving the fabrication of automotive and other components as a company specializing in this field. Aisin Seiki is responsible mainly for manufacturing associated with control and other systems. Bringing together the respective core strengths of the two companies creates a powerful framework for supplying outstanding components and systems to automakers.

VIRTUAL
COMPANY
A new “VC” R&D structure with the goal of achieving many technological breakthroughs
The VC (virtual company) structure, a concept conceived by the Aisin Group, is ideally suited for developing products while fully utilizing the respective core strengths of Aisin group companies. VCs are established for individual product categories. Each VC combines the resources of all Aisin group companies associated with that category in order to accomplish a single goal. Sharing resources improves efficiency by eliminating redundancies and other waste. The result is a powerful framework for creating products with new forms of value. The auto body VC, where Shiroki plays a key role, is conducting R&D to create next-generation products and materials incorporating new concepts. By combining Shiroki’s manufacturing technologies and Aisin’s skill in overall system optimization, this VC aims to develop new revolutionary technologies. Basically, VC system utilizes a seamless linkage as needed while respecting the autonomy of the Shiroki and Aisin groups. Both groups plan to use these new organizational units to speed up the development of innovative technologies.
The four central goals of the VC structure
-
1
Establish unified
goals for
the Shiroki
and
Aisin groups -
2
Increase efficiency
by sharing resources
to
eliminate redundancies
and
make other
improvements -
3
Create
new forms
of value -
4
Raise current
workplace activities
to a higher level