Toyota Builds Supplier Center

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the completion of a new "Supplier Center" at its headquarters in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The facility will act as a global information center to reinforce effective, two-way communication with parts suppliers from both Japan and overseas.

The Supplier Center has several presentation rooms, where current and potential suppliers can introduce new products and technologies to Toyota. It also contains some of most up-to-date information systems and equipment available. Among them is "V-Comm," which uses 3-D graphics in a video-conferencing-like format to enable "virtual discussions." TMC hopes to unify its overseas operations and parts suppliers through this system, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing development time.

Among the other facilities are a multi-purpose Event Hall, a Training Room, and an Information Space. The Event Hall is available for policy explanations and information sharing by TMC, and for research presentations and seminars by suppliers. The Training Room is for the cultivation of global-looking procurement staff, who can promote an open and fair purchasing policy and are knowledgeable of technology, production and pricing. The Information Space will use video and other media to introduce Toyota's newest procurement activities as well as provide information on new products and technologies.