From a Showcase Factory to
the Next Stage of
Model Kit Manufacturing
Profile
Shoki Sano
Assistant Manager
Production Strategy Team
Hobby Creation Department
Hobby Products Division
BANDAI SPIRITS CO., LTD.
Expanding Production Capacity and Striving to Become a Beloved Factory
The Bandai Hobby Center’s new factory in Shizuoka Prefecture, the BANDAI HOBBY CENTER PLAMO DESIGN INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE (BHCPDII), was established to meet growing demand for model kit. Since commencing full-scale operations in August 2026, the production facility has not only expanded model kit production capacity but also serves as a showcase factory that communicates the appeal of Monozukuri (craftsmanship).
The construction of BHCPDII was driven by growing demand for plastic model kits, centered on “Gunpla”. In particular, the Group’s proprietary multicolor molding machines required significant new investment to further expand production capacity. Meanwhile, labor shortages have become a major issue across the entire manufacturing industry. For this reason, BHCPDII was designed to not only increase production volumes but also deepen public understanding of the manufacturing industry by helping more people experience the appeal of Monozukuri. BHCPDII was also created with the goal of providing an environment where employees (Plamo Designers) can work with a sense of pride and belonging while becoming a beloved factory that is cherished by local residents and model kit fans alike.
Promoting All-in-One Production and Evolving Automation
What sets this facility apart is its all-in-one production system, in which molding, bagging, packaging, and shipping are all carried out within a single building. Previously, molded parts were transported to another site for packaging and then moved again to a distribution warehouse after packaging was completed. At BHCPDII, we have reduced these intermediate transportation and storage steps, thereby helping to shorten production lead times. By managing the entire process, from raw material procurement through to the completion of finished products, within a unified system, we can handle production adjustments and process changes more efficiently on-site, which in turn allows for products to reach fans more quickly. In addition, by reducing the movement of materials and products, we have significantly lowered the environmental impact associated with transportation.
We have also made major progress with automation and labor-saving initiatives. In addition to automated warehouses, BHCPDII utilizes automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated transport systems, and overhead conveyor carriers to reduce the need for workers to handle heavy loads or perform repetitive transport tasks. However, this does not mean that every process is automated. Human experience and finely tuned judgment remain indispensable in ways that cannot be quantified, including making the final decisions on design and form, performing mold finishing, understanding the subtle characteristics of individual molding machines, and recognizing variations caused by daily changes in temperature and humidity. In particular, mold making and molding processes aimed at achieving beautifully defined forms require a high level of expertise. This uncompromising commitment to detail is how we maintain our high “hobby center quality” to meet fan expectations. By expanding the range of tasks that can be handled by robots and automated systems at BHCPDII, we aim to create a factory where people can focus on highly specialized work.
Optimizing Our Production Structure in Japan and Overseas
As we expand production capacity going forward, we will further refine the division of roles across our production sites by leveraging the strengths of each location, with Shizuoka serving as the central hub alongside facilities in the Kanto and Kansai regions and overseas. Shizuoka serves as the center of our Monozukuri activities for producing core products, communicating knowledge on manufacturing technologies, and cultivating talent. At our Kanto facility, we are establishing a production framework capable of manufacturing large-sized products by leveraging the facility’s ample space. In Kansai, we plan on commencing operations at a new production site in November 2026, which will help improve the efficiency of international logistics through access to the ports of Osaka and Kobe. By optimizing which products are manufactured at each production site, we aim to reduce intermediate transportation and production bottlenecks, thereby strengthening our overall supply capacity.
For overseas production, we are focusing on striking a balance between our Japanese and overseas production activities. At the same time, Bandai Spirits Co., Ltd., remains committed to the concept of “Made in Japan” for its hobby products. By preserving and continually refining our advanced mold-making and molding technologies while selecting the most appropriate production locations based on product characteristics and regional demand, we aim to deliver “hobby center quality” and enhance our supply capacity.
Striving to be a Showcase Factory That Connects Fans with the Future
As a company engaged in Monozukuri, we will continue our efforts to deliver products well into the future in order to meet the expectations of our fans. Production capacity is not something that can be established the moment it is needed. That is why it is essential to invest years in advance in facilities, production sites, and talent development so that we can create touchpoints with future users.
BHCPDII also features an attached museum. Visitors to the museum can not only observe the model kit production process but also enjoy an up-close experience with Monozukuri through design workshops and other interactive activities. With the addition of this museum, our goal is to create a factory that inspires fans and young people to take an interest in Monozukuri and instills in them a desire to work there someday. Going forward, we will further strengthen our ability to ensure a stable supply of products while enhancing the value provided by the museum experience. Through these efforts, we aspire to remain a factory that can deliver high-quality model kits to our eager fans more quickly as well as one that can communicate the fun and profound appeal of Monozukuri to people around the world.
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