Inside Panasonic’s Gigafactory: No Blame, Big Results

Register NOW for the UHY 2026 Annual Automotive Supplier Outlook - click hereInside Panasonic’s gigafactories in Nevada and Kansas, machines never stop running. Every second, 70 batteries roll off the line, powered by thousands of people working 24/7. At the center of it all is Allan Swan, a Scotsman who left aerospace to lead one of the most ambitious manufacturing operations in America.Allan begins by explaining what a gigafactory really is and what it takes to manage a workforce of almost 8,000 people while producing billions of batteries a year. At Panasonic, Allan flipped the hierarchy, putting his name at the bottom of the org chart to remind everyone that leaders exist to serve their people. For him, leadership isn’t about hitting KPIs; it’s about getting the people side right first. When communication is clear and employees have what they need to do their jobs, the results follow naturally.He shares how Panasonic built a no-blame culture, where problems are met with curiosity rather than fear. Through a system called CIG — Control, Influence, and Gravity — issues are quickly directed to the people who can resolve them, with no hierarchy or politics in the way. One of his favorite examples is the “door story,” where a small request from a team led to significant changes in trust and teamwork across the plant.Allan also explains how recognition helps maintain high morale in an environment that never stops. Teams celebrate wins every day through thank-you cards, high-five points, and open conversations that connect everyone to the company’s mission. The focus isn’t just on electrification and sustainability, but on providing people with meaningful work that can change their lives.Allan’s approach to leadership is anything but distant. He spends time on the factory floor every day, talking with teams, asking questions, and seeing problems firsthand. For him, leadership means being present and approachable, not hiding behind emails or titles. In the end, Allan’s message to other leaders is simple: real change doesn’t come from massive initiatives or slogans. It begins with small, consistent actions that show people that you care. Fix one problem. Listen to one person. Keep showing up. That’s how culture and performance grow together.Watch the full video on YouTube - click hereThis episode is sponsored by Lockton, click here to learn more Themes discussed in this episode:The shift from aerospace to EV manufacturing and what it taught Allan Swan about leadershipThe evolution of leadership from command-and-control to people-first management in large-scale manufacturingHow Panasonic’s gigafactories produce 70 batteries every second with a people-driven approachWhy focusing on people before KPIs drives long-term performance across Panasonic’s gigafactoriesHow Panasonic’s Control, Influence, and Gravity (CIG) system helps teams escalate issues and make faster decisionsHow recognition programs such as “Did You Win Today?” and “High-Five Points” help sustain motivation in 24/7 production environmentsThe value of hiring people for energy and mindset rather than industry experience in a new manufacturing sectorHow daily visibility and “gemba walks” keep leaders connected to people and grounded in real operationsFeatured guest: Allan SwanWhat he does: Allan Swan leads Panasonic Energy’s battery...