In a first for MMC's domestic factories, the new paint shop will use water-based paints. This will slash emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are said to be harmful to humans and cause photochemical smog, by 60 percent compared to previous painting facilities.

Other environmental initiatives include the use of electrostatic hand spray guns and robot applicators for improved efficiency and reduced waste. This, in turn, will help MMC pare painting-related costs. A friction conveyor system that doesn't need metal chains to move the cars down the line will greatly reduce noise.

On the quality side, MMC will bolster dustproof measures at the facility and improve climate-control features to produce an even higher quality paint finish.

MMC is working with DaimlerChrysler to choose the latest equipment for the shop and decide on the best layout. This will also help MMC greatly improve the paint shop's efficiency and quality while further promoting environmental considerations.

In June this year, MMC reduced the number of production lines at Mizushima from four to three as part of its drive to optimize production capacity, a major initiative in MMC's ongoing Turnaround. As a result, Mizushima has already seen huge improvements in efficiency.

The old painting facility will be torn down to make room for increased access to the adjacent passenger car assembly line, improving logistics and movement of parts within the Mizushima plant.