Toyota visit on first of March 2021 ...

It was a great visit to Toyota on March 1, 2021 from Alliance University, Bangalore. The visit was initiated by Surekha Madam. Her passion and interest never faded throughout the 5 hour visit. We reached Bidadi around 8.45 AM.

After initial security checks etc we were inside the Toyota premises at Bidadi by 9.15 AM.

We were taken to the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) situated inside the campus. While we were going to TTTI, Miyawaki forests which are intense greening drives undertaken by Toyota under the leadership of Prof. Miyawaki himself, could be seen on either side. Of the 434 acres campus 25 acres are part of the Ecozone where the Miyawaki forests are grown.

After exchanging initial pleasantries and tea/coffee, we were taken around the TTTI to showcase Toyota's capabilities in training its 10th pass interns with holistic development to take up positions inside the factory. 

Toyota is extremely proud of the fact that it is sending individual entries in the World Skills Competition and has been winning prizes, recognitions and accolades over the years. 

(left) Alliance team with Surekha madam, Sajan Mathew, Sajan (from Toyota), George Easaw, Reeba Madam.

 

We were also taken to the different training areas and labs where the Gurukul students were preparing for the Skills competition which included Robotics, IoT and 3D Machining areas.

The visit next took us to the shopfloor. The pressing, painting, chassis fitting, trimline and final assembly areas were shown around. The importance of Takt time and how it changes with variability in customer demand was stressed heavily by the Toyota team. We were also taken to the final rollout testing area too where after checking for any water leakages, the vehicle is checked for any loose bolts and nuts etc before being taken to the tracks for extensive road tests on the vehicle condition. 

Mr. Sajan Edakkal from TTTI at Toyota accompanied us throughout the visit and was very helpful with clearing all our doubts. Mr. Bhat from TTTI and Mr. Jagadeesh from the HR dept spared their valuable time to be with us, guide us and clear all our queries.

The main purpose of our visit was to explore joint areas of collaboration and training for faculty and internship opportunity for students. Reciprocating our interest we look forward to a Toyota team visiting us in the campus this weekend or next to take the discussions forward.

The final part of the visit included a visit to the high quality ISO 21000 certified mess hall. (click here for my earlier writing on Toyota getting the coveted ISO 21000 certification). Due to the Covid scare only very less management staff are coming to campus as they are having WFH option. The regular workers are working in two shifts during this Covid time.

George.