Collapsed tent-style structure
The Damage
In the early morning of February 15, 2014, an unprecedented amount of snow fell in the Chichibu district, causing the collapse of two tent-style warehouses at our Chichibu Plant.
The collapse caused a short circuit, which in turned caused a fire. Employees who were at work at the time put out the fire and prevented the flames from spreading.
This was undoubtedly due to the regular disaster response training they had received.
Screen displaying a page from the employee safety confirmation system
Ensure Employee Safety, Then Get Back into Production
Using the employee safety confirmation system we had developed ourselves, we gathered information on their circumstances under the weather emergency, and learned whether they could get to work. Department managers used this information to quickly develop a restart production system.
As a result, just two days after the collapse we were able to get back to a work schedule that was close to normal. This cut delivery delays to a minimum.
Adoption of a Recovery Plan, Followed by Reconstruction
After the nearby roads were cleared of snow and work at the company returned to normal, we quickly began reconstruction, basing our efforts on the BCP.
Dismantlement
Vacant space after dismantlement
Skeleton structure in place
Back in operation after two months
Construction of the new facility
Summing Up
The disruption caused by the heavy snowfall proved that ongoing emergency response training and a BCP are very important.
It also highlighted the fact that the “impossible” can happen, and indicated a need for preparedness.
To our customers, we express regret for the trouble our difficulties may have caused you, and appreciate your concern.