DEMOLISHED BY THEIR OWN MACHINES


CATERPILLAR® Now in the


demolition phase, the project


provided a true insight into the Japanese method of demolition.


FACTORY


The undoubted highlight of the study tour was a visit to Japan’s largest current demolition project, where more than 50 (rising to 80 at the height of the works) Cat excavators are demolishing the company’s Sagami factory.


Opened in 1963, the 30-hectare factory started production of the Cat D4D track-type tractor two years later, before becoming home to Cat mini excavators, small and mid-sized dozers and compact wheel loaders. Now in the demolition phase, the project provided a true insight into the Japanese method of demolition.


While a European contractor might generally employ the minimum number of machines required to get the work done safely and on time,


the Japanese method is markedly different. If anything, there were actually too many machines employed at the Sagami factory and, as a result, none of them were being worked particularly hard. This approach caused a few raised eyebrows among European delegates, although many admitted that it might pay dividends in the form of reduced machine wear and maintenance.


All in all, the EDA Study Tour to Japan was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast working methods and equipment. I would be astounded if any of the European party left having not gained some insight that will be of use to their own business in the future.


11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16