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Kibo-no-Sato Honda, or Honda’s Home of Hope, was established in Matsuhashi-cho, Kumamoto Prefecture, in August 1985. The project’s objective was to establish a workplace wherein disabled persons could work side by side with able-bodied people. Based on a program promoted through the auspices of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kibo-no-Sato was an altogether new community facility—one designed to foster friendly interaction between people with physical or mental disabilities and members of the local community. Today, the facility features a gymnasium and sports complex, both of which are open to the public so that the plant’s disabled employees can experience athletic activities together with local residents as an adjunct to their employment.
Kibo-no-Sato Honda was established jointly by Honda R&D, Kumamoto Prefecture, and the town of Matsuhashi-cho. It was the first automotive production facility established as a joint venture between the private and public sectors (known as the third sector), and was designed to employ large numbers of persons having significant disabilities. At Kibo-no-Sato Honda, the disabled employees are in fact treated no differently than their able-bodied colleagues. They work together, manufacturing parts for motorcycles and cars, which are generally supplied to Honda’s Kumamoto Factory.
Today’s automobile manufacturers procure their parts and components from factories all over the world. Therefore, in this competitive environment even a welfare-oriented factory can not expect exceptional treatment when it comes to targets in quality and productivity. Therefore, in the more than ten years since the start of production, Kibo-no-Sato Honda has carried out its operations under the guidance and support of Kumamoto Factory. Under a “quality first” motto, the facility continually renews its commitment to enhanced production efficiency in an environment in which disabled persons can learn to become independent, enjoy community interaction, and discover the purpose in their lives through dedication and work. |
