The Hoshizaki Group maintains a structure for stable supply of products and related quality control under strict quality standards to provide products and services that reflect the expectations and trust that customers have put in the Company and, by extension, the Group.
We strive to maintain and improve our level of quality, and clearly demonstrate our stance of providing peace of mind to our customers.
Hoshizaki has obtained ISO 9001 quality certification for all its factories. In its policy on quality, the Company clarifies its position to provide peace of mind to customers, and emphasizes its commitment to maintain and improve quality. Hoshizaki has built a structure, underpinned by its quality management system, to support strict quality checks across all processes, from product development through manufacturing and shipment in factories, and maintains a production system to ensure stable supply of high-quality products to customers.
To make ice, automatic ice machines draw water at around 20℃ into a cooling system where the liquid is cooled to between −25℃ and −28℃. The process takes about 30 minutes, with the machines constantly cycling through a temperature difference close to 50℃. In addition, in kitchens, the machines must withstand a high-temperature, high-humidity environment and, because they are food-related equipment requiring freshness control, a malfunction is simply not acceptable. Hoshizaki sets strict quality standards assuming such environments and conducts repeated tests under rigorous conditions in testing rooms. Only technology and components that pass stringent testing are used in Hoshizaki products. The approach for finished products is similarly stringent. Each unit is carefully inspected, and only products that pass the finished product inspection (final inspection) are shipped out for delivery to customers.
Hoshizaki has a structure in place to incorporate past product defects and customer complaints into its quality assurance system. We carefully delve into issues brought to our attention by customers to find the cause and also communicate issues and causes to design divisions right away to be reflected in new products as well as improvement to existing products.
Note that in fiscal 2021, there were no product recalls.
Hoshizaki boasts sophisticated technologies that set it apart from its competitors. These technologies have been cultivated through manufacturing operations over many years and include sheet metal processing techniques, welding technologies and cutting processes. In addition, manufacturing facilities, including large-scale manufacturing facilities, have been systematized, and the overall structure allows for multi-product, small-lot production attuned to customers’ diverse requirements. We leverage these strengths in manufacturing technologies to ensure stable product quality, reduction of production lead time and costs. That said, when introducing a model change or embarking on production of a new product, we are meticulous about training for workers on the use of tools and proper operation based on operating manuals to prevent mistakes on the production line.
At the head office and in quality control divisions at domestic factories, meetings are held on a routine basis where participants share perceptions and information. Examples of improvement activities in Japan are regularly shared with offices overseas.
Every year, Hoshizaki welcomes audits by customers, including major restaurant chains and food and beverage makers, at manufacturing points in Japan and overseas. In recent years, audits have become more diverse, extending beyond product quality to issues from the perspective of business continuity plans and environmental, social and corporate governance factors, including efforts to prevent misconduct by employees, appropriate management of working hours, occupational health and safety, child labor and human rights compliance, and preparations to ensure the safety of employees in times of disaster. The wider scope of audits has led to enhanced measures within the Hoshizaki Group.