Project-M: Concrete Results from a Demanding Manufacturing Transfer Project

Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe specializes in forklifts and material handling solutions, with its Järvenpää unit serving as a significant production and development center within the corporation. The Järvenpää facility designs and manufactures high-quality electric forklifts for European customers, and its role within the group has notably strengthened in recent years.

Project-M was an extensive and strategically significant initiative by Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe, aiming to transfer the production of several forklift models from Sweden to Finland by the end of 2024. The project was a response to economic pressures but primarily presented an opportunity to enhance production efficiency and unify processes across organizational boundaries. This article outlines how the project was executed, what was achieved, and key learnings for future reference.

Objectives and Overview

The primary objective of the project was to centralize the manufacturing of several forklift models in Finland, where larger volumes would allow for better unit costs and improved production management. The initiative also aimed to clarify responsibilities, improve quality and data management practices, and establish a unified operational model across different organizations.

Execution involved dozens of parallel sub-projects, such as technology transfers (NPI), factory layout changes, automation and equipment investments, staff training, and data harmonization. The project was managed through a clearly structured governance model based on a gate-based approach, regular steering, and close communication among teams.

Concrete Achievements

• The most significant accomplishments of the project include:

• Successful technology transfers executed according to schedule, with production lines launching without significant delays.

• Several forklift models were already delivered from production transferred to Finland during the project.

• The project team maintained control over the overall timeline effectively.

• Cross-country and cross-organizational team collaboration was exceptional, maintaining high employee engagement.

• Risk management improved significantly over the course of the project, enabling key risks to be anticipated and managed proactively.

Key Lessons Learned

• Project-M offered an excellent opportunity for collective organizational learning. The following key insights emerged during the project's final evaluation:

• Structured governance yields results. A clear project structure, regular status reviews, and accountability greatly aided project control.

• Transparency drives success. Encouraging open communication and raising issues proactively helped resolve problems before escalation.

• Resource dispersion is risky. Critical expertise should not be overly dependent on single individuals. Balanced resource planning is crucial for sustainability and continuity.

• Process orientation transcends organizational boundaries. Effective processes should be established across silos and organizational structures to ensure everyday efficiency.

• Customer focus is central. Even internal projects must consistently deliver customer value sustainably.

Summary: An Impressive Project with Valuable Insights

Project-M delivered concrete outcomes in terms of timelines, quality, and strategic importance. It strengthened the organization's capability to manage complex initiatives, enhanced teamwork, and left a lasting impact on how future projects are planned and executed.

Project-M demonstrated that clearly defined goals, systematic management, and a committed team can successfully navigate even challenging changes.

Three Key Insights from Project-M

A well-managed structure ensures control. The gate model, clear responsibility assignments, and regular steering facilitated efficient progress.

Open collaborative culture enhances results. Trust and proactive communication solved problems effectively and boosted team motivation.

Early risk confrontation is beneficial. A proactive attitude towards risk management minimized surprises and ensured continuity.

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