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SUZUKI Ryutaro

Calm and steady,
technical expertise on the frontline.

Packaging Factory - Production Department, Assistant Section Manager Joined in 2016: SUZUKI Ryutaro

Supporting a Stable Production Line through Machine Maintenance

I belong to the Packaging Factory’s Production Department, where I am responsible for maintaining and servicing the lines that pack ingredients such as green tea, matcha, black tea, and barley tea. For the past eight years, I have been engaged in preventive maintenance and repairs, focusing on ensuring stable productivity and creating a safe, comfortable workplace for on-site operators. In many ways, my role is like the unsung hero behind the scenes, supporting the smooth operation of the production floor.

Staying Calm and Overcoming Troubles

Production machinery inevitably comes with its share of problems. When major malfunctions occur, it can be easy to panic, but I constantly remind myself that “panic leads to mistakes or accidents” and make it a priority to stay calm and make sound judgments. The moment I resolve a problem and see the production line running smoothly again, I feel both a sense of accomplishment and a deep satisfaction in doing this work.

Learning from Veterans and Facing the Busy New Tea Season

In my sixth year, I was assigned to the SIG Line 4 during the busiest spring tea season. This line had traditionally been managed by senior employees and included some particularly tricky machines. At first, I struggled with adjustments, but through trial and error, the line gradually stabilized, and tangible results began to appear. The sense of achievement when the line finally ran smoothly was one of the greatest I have experienced.

A Safe and Comfortable Workplace for Women

One of the biggest appeals of Harada Tea is the supportive environment for female employees. At the Shimada headquarters and Mukaiya Factory, where 90% of operators are women, heavy tasks are largely automated. The facilities also meet international quality and safety standards such as ISO9001 and FSSC22000. This ensures a clean and safe working environment where employees, regardless of gender, can work comfortably and securely for the long term.

Growing Up in Shizuoka and Connecting with a Local Company

Previously, I worked for a beverage manufacturer, but I felt a certain monotony in my daily routine. That’s when I saw a job opening in machine maintenance at Harada Tea, headquartered in my hometown of Shimada. I was drawn to the company by the people I met during the interview process, and I decided to join. For someone who loves machinery, the dynamic nature of the production floor and the opportunity to work closely with complex machines make this job a perfect fit.

Applying Soccer Skills to Work: Teamwork and Judgment

I have been playing soccer continuously since elementary school. As a center back in my school days, I was responsible for organizing the team’s defense. Making quick decisions and directing teammates on the field translates directly to my work. The ability to make rapid judgments and effectively share information on the production floor stems from the teamwork and leadership skills I developed through soccer.

Mentoring and Strengthening the Organization as a Future Goal

Going forward, I want to focus more on mentoring junior colleagues. The technical staff at the Mukaiya Factory are relatively young, and as a mid-level employee, it is now my role to help guide them. Our work requires a wide range of skills beyond machine repair, including ISO and FSSC compliance, personnel management, and data processing. I aim to nurture employees who can think and act independently, helping them grow into the future pillars of our organization.

Embrace Challenges and Build the Future Together

Harada Tea continues to grow across multiple sites, including farms, factories, and sales offices, as well as through group companies. Despite its size, the company maintains a close relationship between management and employees, fostering an environment where everyone can voice their opinions. Because young employees have opportunities to take on a variety of challenges, it’s easy to find work that suits you and brings fulfillment. Let’s create the future of Harada Tea together.