The end of this year's busy season (the peak of year-end deliveries is at the end of March) is in sight. The busier we get, the more issues become apparent, such as how to transfer work between sales and manufacturing, and material procurement. However, I think this is an important time because it highlights areas for improvement in the company.
Furniture factory second base plan
Well, we have been able to move forward with the cooperation of many sawmills and production partner companies (individuals), both now and in the future. However, there are many problems among our partner companies, such as a lack of successors who are unable to take over the business.
The background to this is that mass-produced fixtures and fittings made in factories have become mainstream, and so-called handicrafts made to order by craftsmen are on the decline.
That is why they do not take over the family business (and cannot do so in the first place); however, there must be a negative side to the woodworking industry in that having a profession that has been built up end within one generation means that skills are not being passed down.
We (Nakayoshi Library) believe that it is now time to take over the trust that has been built up in the community over the years and the role of passing on the skills to the younger generation, and build a foundation for nurturing furniture and toy (fittings) craftsmen.
Returning to the main topic, one of the issues that has become evident from this year's busy season is that we are unable to produce steadily. Due to the size of our factories, there is a limit to the amount that can be produced at one time. To solve this, we think that we can set up multiple production bases for each product.
Managing a workshop means taking care of everything from sourcing materials to shipping, and even external sales activities, so it can also be a chance to develop your staff. (There aren't many opportunities to gain this kind of experience while working for a company...)
We will now move forward with taking over the workshop, but we are also looking into whether it will be possible to rebuild it in the first place (it looks like a lot of repairs will be necessary...).
Now let me introduce the workshop and the plans.
Sakawacho Yokohata Joinery
The workshop for this project is in Sagawa-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi Prefecture . It is about an hour's drive from Nakayoshi Library's Kochi factory (Kami City). The story of Dr. Makino Tomitaro, a plant expert born in Sagawa-cho, has been adopted for the morning drama in the first half of 2023. (As a Kochi native, I'm honestly happy about this.)
The photo shows the Yokohata Joinery Workshop in Sakawa-cho, Kochi Prefecture. The 50-year-old building has been a local joinery shop for many years. They have had a long relationship with Nakayoshi Library, and have cooperated with us on the production of stacking chairs.
The workshop is equipped with all the necessary machinery to make fixtures and furniture. The workshop was built by Yokohata himself, and has a nostalgic atmosphere filled with 50 years of history.
Daruma stove. Still in use.
Each machine is old, but they are all still in good working order, probably because they are well maintained.
If we can take over as Nakayoshi Library without any problems, we would like to have Yokohata-san provide technical guidance at this location, renovate the workshop in a way that does not destroy the atmosphere, and proceed with plans to make it a second base for Nakayoshi Library.
What kind of workshop?
Behind the building is a mountain where cedar trees are planted. In front of the building is a nursery school. We are looking to recruit people from both inside and outside the company who want to work on woodworking in a place rich in nature and who can readily absorb the techniques of a veteran craftsman (Mr. Yokohata).
- We are looking for 2-3 people, 1 in-house employee, 1 new applicant from outside the company (experienced person required), or couples from outside the company who want to do woodworking. As Nakayoshi Library employees.
- We will be mainly contracting for Nakayoshi Library. We are planning to make chairs and nursery furniture.
- One delivery vehicle
- Sales activities are also directed at individuals and local governments in the vicinity of Sakawa Town.
So, although nothing has been decided yet, I am very eager to do something about the company's issues, so I'm sure things will work out as they go. I'll keep you posted as soon as there is any progress.
We are also currently recruiting, so please take a look at our job page.
Until next time*
