Value Chain Management: Quality Assurance

Basic Approach

Since its founding, the Mitsuboshi Belting Group has pursued quality assurance under the long-standing principle, “Build quality into our products and deliver quality to our customers,” placing the highest priority on product safety and reliability. The Group recognizes quality as a foundation of corporate value that not only enhances customer satisfaction but also supports the safety and reassurance of industry and society.
The Group maintains and improves quality management systems (QMSs) conforming to ISO 9001 and has expanded their scope throughout the Group. At sites serving the automotive industry, the Group has established QMSs conforming to IATF 16949, which sets more stringent requirements for the automotive industry. Quality-related business activities are conducted in accordance with procedures established under these QMSs and are based on the Quality Basic Policy, which is grounded in the Group’s corporate philosophy and Management Basic Policy.

QMS Certification Status (2025)

Management System

The President has ultimate responsibility and authority for quality-related business activities and quality issues, while the General Manager of the Quality Assurance Department is responsible for managing quality assurance activities. The President convenes the Quality Assurance Meeting, attended by members of the Management Council and department general managers, to review the status of activities reported by the General Manager of the Quality Assurance Department and use the results to review strategies, policies, and plans. The reviewed strategies, policies, and plans are communicated through the General Manager of the Quality Assurance Department to the quality assurance functions at each site and translated into workplace-specific policies and plans. Each site monitors and evaluates implementation monthly, compiles the results, and reports them to the General Manager of the Quality Assurance Department.

Implementation Status

The Group identified the risks and opportunities that quality assurance may present to its business activities and translated the results into specific measures. Its priority areas are maintaining and improving the QMS, enhancing quality education, and ensuring rigorous process control.

Maintenance and Improvement of QMS

In FY2025, the Group underwent third-party audits and maintained ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or JIS A6008 certification at all target sites.

Enhancement of Quality Education

As part of total quality management (TQM), the Group has conducted quality control (QC) circle activities since 1967. In recent years, these activities have become established at both domestic and overseas plants as a forum for global employee development and continuous improvement. Each autumn, the Group holds GLOBAL GEMBA KAIZEN ACTIVITY, where teams present initiatives on product quality management, workplace efficiency, and other improvements and learn from one another. Selected circles also present at the QC Circle National Convention hosted by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers and participate actively in external QC circle presentation events to further enhance their capabilities. In FY2025, QC circles selected from Group sites gathered at Kobe Head Office for GLOBAL GEMBA KAIZEN ACTIVITY. Active exchanges among the sites made the event meaningful and fostered a strong sense of unity.
In Japan, the Group holds company-wide QC circle conventions twice a year. Presentations and in-person attendance are combined with online streaming, enabling employees to participate regardless of location and further promoting mutual learning. In addition, to improve knowledge and skills and strengthen human resource development, the Group implements long-term and continuous quality control education. Quality control education begins when employees join the Company and covers a wide range of topics, including specialized knowledge required by each department and job function. By acquiring not only technical expertise but also quality control perspectives and problem-solving approaches, employees heighten their awareness of quality and work toward achieving the Quality Basic Policy.

Rigorous Process Control

At production sites, manufacturing line supervisors conduct daily workplace patrols to verify compliance with standards. To prevent the patrols from becoming routine, site managers and managers from other departments also participate. Although these are steady, day-to-day activities, the accumulation of small improvements helps ensure thorough compliance with standards and broader compliance requirements.

Response to Product Liability Lawsuits and Recalls

Product liability lawsuits and recalls can damage trust in manufacturers and may also have significant financial impacts. The Group prepares for these risks through insurance coverage across the Group.