On 7 March, Yanmar Global CS (YCGS) organized the annual “Service Awards 2024” ceremony in Osaka. An event where outstanding service employees from across the world are honoured for their commitment and achievements. Approximately 200 people attended, including Yanmar Holdings board members, presidents of group companies, domestic and international customer service managers, and two European winners.
Challenging towards better service
This year, the ceremony started off with an inspiring opening film themed around “Challenging towards better service” and the Japanese concept of “HANASAKA” – a concept adopted by Yanmar and focusing on embracing challenges and nurturing talent. Mr. Hirami, President of YGCS, emphasized the importance of continuous innovation in customer service during his speech:
Based on the values of HANASAKA, which encourages all people to take on challenges and to nurture people and businesses, I would like to share the activities and challenges of our staff around the world involved in the after-sales service area, and I would also like everyone to take on the challenge of making the next flower bloom.
Awards for 66 service professionals across the world
A total of 66 service professionals from 27 companies in Yanmar’s global network were awarded for their ongoing dedication and innovation. The event also featured insights into successful service strategies, offering a great opportunity to share our services in various countries and fields. The day wrapped up with a celebration dinner where even more ideas were exchanged and relationships strengthened. Evidence of how community and collaboration contribute to Yanmar’s commitment to service.
Rightful European winners, said the jury
The Yanmar Europe delegation consisted of four people. Yanmar Commercial Marine awardee Ronald de Jonge, Service Manager of Skandiaverken SLU in Spain, accompanied by Mark Brender A Brandis, Service Project Engineer of Yanmar Europe B.V., and Yanmar Industrial awardee Paghini Moreno, Owner & FIE Specialist of Paghini Moreno & C snc in Italy, accompanied by Sebastiano Valenti, After-Sales Service for Yanmar Italy.
According to the jury, Ronald de Jonge was awarded for his professional quality and the consistent promptness of his response. He is heading one of Yanmar Europe’s major service providers and is always looking for opportunities to improve and expand the business.
The jury praised Paghini Moreno as an outstanding individual who was awarded because of his technical knowledge, service quality, parts sales, and trouble-shooting capabilities, offering valuable support to Yanmar and Yanmar customers, even beyond normal repairing activities.
Congratulations to both!
Ronald de Jonge of Skandiaverken commented:
It is an honour for me and SKV to receive this award for the second time and to accept it at Yanmar in Japan. While the Service Award was presented to me personally in recognition of SKV’s service quality, it was made possible only by the hard work of the entire SKV service team. Special thanks to all SKV service technicians and Customer Support colleagues, as well as to Yanmar Europe for their support and Mark Brender who accompanied me to Japan.
Seizing the opportunity…
During their stay in Japan, the European delegation seized the opportunity to take part in the follow-up programme that Yanmar Ltd had organized.
The day after the ceremony they joined a visit to the Yanmar Synergy Square building and a tour of the Amagasaki plant nearby. It was an interesting visit with the group learning about the latest services and innovations of Yanmar.
One of the highlights was the highly sophisticated Remote Support Center as part of the Synergy Square, an advanced 24/7 helpdesk and monitoring station that watches over and supports customers’ valuable machinery.
The Amagasaki plant is the place where diesel and gas engines are manufactured, assembled, tested and shipped under strict quality control processes. In fact, it was the first factory in the world to receive approval for its self-inspection system from all 11 quality control certifying organizations that exist.
The third day was for relaxation with a sightseeing tour to the Golden Temple and cherry blossom in full bloom in Kyoto. And after that: a safe trip back to Europe.
Watch here the Ceremony Opening Video for the Yanmar Service Awards 2024.