Department Article Introduction Development Department | We're the Development Department. 〜We made a nice little cart.〜

2025.11.2

Happy Kume-chan

Hi, I’m Kumegawa.
Today, I’d like to introduce the Development Section.
Our team mainly works on developing new products.
We start by coming up with ideas, then move on to design and production.
After that, we run repeated tests and validations—
and that’s how new products are born!

Kume-chan peeking

Since writing about actual new product development or showing photos might get us in trouble,
this time I’ll focus on solving a little problem within the Development Section.
I can usually handle it on my own,
but just in case, I’ve invited the rest of the team to join in too!

Identifying Needs and Issues

Kume-chan’s tummy

We start by identifying the issue and then decide on a concept for the development.
This time, Mr. Miyazaki mentioned that he wanted a custom tool cart just for himself.
So I asked him what problems he was facing and how he wanted them solved.
Since there isn’t a ready-made tool cart that fits his needs perfectly,
we’re going to design one that’s just right for him!

Design

Smart-looking Kume-chan

Now, I’ll take on the role of Section Chief Imamura and begin the design work for production.
We’ll carefully decide on everything—from dimensions and materials to the finer details.
If we mess up here, nothing else will work, so it’s important to be cautious.
But sometimes, a bit of boldness is needed too!
I’ll be drawing not only in 2D but also in 3D.
Both are essential in the design process.

Parts Procurement: Machining

Kume-chan laughing out loud

Now, stepping into the shoes of Mr. Miyazaki, I’ll handle the machining myself.
During the prototyping phase, it’s often hard to standardize parts like those you see in catalogs.
So when needed, we make what we can on our own.
With safety as the top priority, I’ll smoothly machine each part just as shown in the drawings.

Sheet Metal Fabrication and Assembly

Close-up Kume-chan

Now, I’ll take on the role of Mr. Kira and handle the welding and assembly work.
At this stage, the finished product is almost in sight.
If everything from design to this point has gone smoothly, it should be a straight shot to completion.
But sometimes… you get that unexpected “Wait, what?” moment.
That’s when quick thinking and a sharp sense for solving problems on the fly really come into play.
It’s all about being able to handle things smoothly, without missing a beat.

And it’s complete!

Happy Kume-chan

We’ve safely completed the project!
It’s truly the result of everyone’s blood, sweat, tears—and hard work.
By the way, did you know that tears are technically a form of blood?
And just so you know, the phrase “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” became famous from a speech by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on May 13, 1940.
With that, we wrap up our introduction to the Development Section—
just as everyone gathers to celebrate the big finish!