During the 6th period Future Design class on Tuesday, February 10, students from grades 5 to 8 went on a field trip to F’S FACTORY Co., Ltd.
F’S FACTORY is a company located in Okuma Town. It was established in March 2021 after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The company was jointly founded by three businesses: IC Electronics, a metal processing company originally established in Okuma Town that later moved its base to Iwaki; Tohoku Enterprise, an electrical and instrumentation maintenance company from Tomioka Town; and Canyon Works, a sewing company from Namie Town.
When the students arrived, the staff of F’S FACTORY warmly welcomed them with bright smiles.
Afterward, the president of F’S FACTORY, Mr. Naka, spoke to the students about the company’s background and the vision behind starting the business.
The name “F’S FACTORY” reflects the desire to create many different things that begin with the letter “F.”
From Futaba District in Fukushima, they hope to generate many “F’s,” such as Fabric, Facility, Faith, Future, Fortunate, and Foremost. Their goal is not only to produce products but also to create various forms of value that contribute to the future of the local community. The students could clearly feel the strong passion behind the company’s mission.
The company’s logo, which was created in the metal processing department, was also shown to the students. Even the smallest details were carefully and beautifully crafted, and the students couldn’t help but say, “Wow, that’s amazing!”
After the introduction, everyone toured the factory together.
In the sewing department, the students observed the production of protective suits used for work at nuclear power plants. Although these suits are used only once, it was impressive to see how carefully each step was carried out, with great attention to detail.
Next, the students visited the metal processing department.
In the welding section, they watched a special machine called a high-frequency welder in action. Items welded with this machine were extremely strong—no matter how hard the students tried to pull them apart, they could not separate them.
Finally, in the sewing department, the students had the opportunity to try using an industrial sewing machine themselves.
One student who is good at sewing commented, “It felt a little scary because it’s different from the sewing machines we use at school!” The experience helped them realize how powerful the machines used in real workplaces are.
At the end of the visit, a student asked, “Is your work enjoyable?”
The response was honest and thoughtful:
“To be honest, it wasn’t very fun at first. But after I learned how to do many different things in the factory, I started to enjoy it more. When you begin to feel a sense of accomplishment in your work, it becomes rewarding.”
