The number of women technical staff at the Mazda Motor Corporation is about to significantly increase following a change to labour regulations in Japan.

The company will lift its female technical staff numbers to 60 during March and they will be assigned to work in assembly and inspection areas of the engine and transmission areas of the company's plants at Hiroshima and Hofu, as well as the final assembly lines.

Until now strict regulations relating to midnight and overtime work for women have restricted the number of technical female employees. However, the relaxation of these regulations together with an expected shortfall of young labour in the future has created the new opportunities for women.

Mazda has set about creating a more pleasant working environment and reviewed safety standards in the production department. They have also taken into account the different physical strengths and reduced the loads for women where possible.

They have also improved welfare facilities such as dormitory and changing rooms, and established a consultation room where women can discuss work-related difficulties.