Passing Down Technology, Empowering people, Shaping the Future — The Challenge at Rayong Works

——Please tell us what motivated you to join UACJ Rayong Works.

NickI originally worked as an engineer at another manufacturing company, but when I heard that UACJ would be constructing a new factory in Thailand, the idea of “starting manufacturing from zero” attracted me, and I decided to join.

SayamWhat prompted me to join was hearing that I could be involved in the launch of UACJ’s new factory. I had always been interested in aluminum materials, and I applied because I thought it would be an opportunity to learn Japanese technology.

GigI previously worked at a company in Ayutthaya, but the 2011 floods caused severe damage, making it difficult to continue operations. At that time, the person who reached out to me was the president of this company. I was drawn to the chance to once again be involved in manufacturing, and decided to take on this new challenge.

NingWhen I heard that a Japanese company would be building a new factory in Rayong, I felt strongly that I wanted to be part of it. I was already interested in Japanese culture and the Japanese language, and I was also attracted to the opportunity to receive training in Japan.

——What was the workplace like during the startup period?

NickI first received training in Japan, then joined the equipment startup at the Rayong Works. My first assignment was installing the cold rolling mill that had been relocated from the Nikko Works.
At first, everything was new to me and I felt confused, but the Japanese engineers taught me carefully. What I learned at the Japanese site still serves as a very valuable experience today.
I also remember being overwhelmed by the scale of the work, as the rolling mill from the Nikko Works was a large-scale machine that had never been introduced in Thailand before.

SayamAfter one year of training, I joined the startup of the Rayong Works, and building a factory from zero with colleagues who had little experience was a major challenge. The commitment to safety and quality that I learned in Japan supported me, and I made sure to share that mindset with the team in Thailand.

GigWhen I first entered the site, there were no factories or offices yet, and we began working inside containers. It truly was a start from zero.

At that time, even the Japanese staff had little experience working with foreign colleagues, so we needed to move forward while understanding each other’s cultural differences. Being able to work cooperatively under such circumstances was a significant experience.

NingI first joined the training in Japan and learned the basic knowledge of aluminum rolling from the ground up. Since I had never worked in the aluminum field before, everything was a new discovery. As an interpreter, I needed to understand the technical content myself in order to communicate it accurately, so I studied the technical aspects as well.

——Were there any memorable episodes during the process of inheriting Japanese technologies?

NickAluminum manufacturing involves many manual operations, and it was difficult to understand the mechanisms. At such times, what left a strong impression on me was how the Japanese staff explained everything step by step while drawing diagrams.
In the training in Japan, I learned not only the technologies but also the care taken to communicate things accurately and the attitude toward teaching. That experience greatly supported me when I returned to Thailand for the equipment startup.

SayamWhen I received training in Japan, the first thing that surprised me was the control panel of the equipment. It was much larger than the ones we handled in Thailand, and it had nearly 100 buttons. It made me anxious about being able to remember all operation.
However the Japanese staffs reassured me that we don't use everything at once and that I only needed to understand the operations required for each process. Their teaching was very thorough, and as I learned while operating the equipment myself, I naturally came to understand it.
Today, the equipment has been improved to be more user-friendly, but I feel that the experience from that time is still being applied.

NingWhat left the strongest impression on me during the training in Japan was the “attitude toward teaching” of the Japanese staff. Even with the language barrier, they drew diagrams and explained things while actually operating equipment on site so that we could understand, and they taught us with great care. Seeing their dedication motivated me to adopt the same approach in how I communicate with others.
I believe that I am who I am today because of that experience, and I remain sincerely grateful to the people in Japan who taught me.

——As a member of the startup team, what was the most challenging task?

NickThe most difficult task was organizing the initial work processes. However, the approach I learned during training in Japan, which emphasized planning while observing the site directly, was extremely helpful.
Building on my own experience and what I learned in Japan has become a major foundation for me when instructing junior members and new employees today.

SayamThe most difficult task was teaching local staffs how to operate the aluminum rolling mill. There were many components and processes, so we had to start by helping them learn the names and mechanisms. With limited time and the need for them to master everything including safety related matters, it felt like a constant race against time.
I applied the teaching methods I learned in Japan and continually sought better ways to train them. When they eventually began guiding their own junior colleagues, it was tremendously rewarding. I remain grateful to the Japanese staff and interpreter colleagues who supported us.

GigThe most challenging period was the test run. Unexpected adjustments continued until the large-scale equipment became stable, but I believe we overcame it by supporting one another as a Japanese–Thai team. That is why the moment the first coil was completed felt so special.

NingThe most difficult part was dealing with unexpected issues during the test run. Listening and conveying information in conditions such as high places, confined spaces, and loud noise was far more intense than I had imagined. I am grateful to the advisors who helped me overcome the language barrier and support smooth communication. The moment we completed the first coil is something I still remember clearly.

——Over more than ten years with the company, what notable moments stand out to you?

NickOne memorable moment was when a small fire occurred while operating the equipment. Fortunately, it did not lead to major damage, but it prompted me to reconsider the equipment structure and our safety measures. It was a difficult experience, but I believe it strengthened my awareness of always prioritizing safety.

SayamMy fondest memory is the warmth of the hospitality I experienced during training in Japan. Not only did they provide guidance on site, but they also supported me kindly in daily life and meals. Thanks to them, I was able to focus on my training without worry.
On days off, they even took us skiing. Since we do not see snow in Thailand, it was truly refreshing. I still remember the scenery clearly. Experiences like those, beyond work, became an important opportunity to learn about Japanese culture.

GigMy strongest memories also come from training in Japan. On days off, I was able to experience Japanese culture firsthand by attending fireworks festivals, visiting shrines, and even participating in the Mikuni Festival in Fukui. I also ran in a marathon event, and the time outside of work was incredibly enjoyable.

NingMy most memorable experiences also come from the time I trained in Japan. On weekends, Japanese staff took us to different places, and I will never forget the impact of riding the roller coaster at an amusement park. It felt like I experienced a lifetime’s worth of thrill in a single ride.

After returning to Thailand, it became our turn to welcome staff arriving from Japan, and our relationships deepened beyond just work. Being able to serve as a bridge between the two countries as an interpreter remains a great source of pride for me.

——How did you overcome the differences in culture and ways of thinking between Japanese and Thai staff?

NickIn Thailand, the common approach is to “try first,” so the attitude I learned in Japan of “confirm before proceeding” was a major realization. At first, the differences in values were confusing, but through continuous discussions, we came to understand each other’s perspectives, and the awareness of protecting safety and quality became firmly rooted within me.

SayamDuring training in Japan, I was struck by how thoroughly they prepared to prevent accidents and by the attitude of never overlooking even small mistakes.
While that awareness is not yet fully established in Thailand, I want to apply the safety mindset I learned in Japan to make the Rayong Works an even safer workplace.