Corporate
Profile

[Company strength]
We can deal with all processes covering from R&D to manufacturing, sales, and maintenance in an integrated manner. For our photocatalyst products we thermally spray a photocatalyst onto a base material using our original low-temperature supersonic thermal spray technology. The base material surface is totally covered with the photocatalyst, so the antibacterial and deodorizing effects are high. It is also characteristic that the photocatalyst layer does not readily peel off. In-house evaluation of the deodorizing and antibacterial effects is possible. We always take on the challenge of technical development in order to respond to customer requirements.

[Business description]
We have been dealing with products related to steel and the preservation field since our foundation. We also manufacture custom-made photocatalyst parts, consumer products that make use of the characteristics of these parts, and products with deodorization and antibacterial functions for factories and hospitals. We can also accept orders for consignment manufacturing of OEM products, as well as parts supply. We can deliver our products after evaluating qualities such as their deodorizing and antibacterial effects.

[Industry]
Photocatalyst product manufacturing, such as various types of roll rollers for steel manufacturers

[Strength of products/technologies]
In the field of steel we manufacture work rolls and regenerating rolls by making full use of our original CPC process. We achieved excellent durability in the field of crusher blades and driver gears as well as various liners, in which we have the top market share. This was done by making use of our original tinkering. In the field of photocatalyst products we manufacture and sell the MaSSC (mask) super-high-performance hybrid photocatalyst, and industrial air deodorant and sterilizing equipment (solar reactor). We also offer air cleaners and building materials (such as sterilization tiles). These products are based on our original patented technology.

[Representative's message]
Steel field: Rolls are usually disposed of as scrap after use. Our regenerating roll work uses our original CPC padding method to restore them to their original shape and performance. The cost is substantially reduced by using this method.
Photocatalyst field: We succeeded in creating a high-purity photocatalyst layer by using low-temperature ultra-high-speed thermal spraying. The purity of the photocatalyst TiO2 is low in various types of current photocatalyst products, so there are situations in which its effects are not fully demonstrated. The realization of unprecedented high sterilization (virus killing) and high deodorization effects have become possible using our original technology. Both of these technologies can make contributions to global society. Our photocatalysts are applicable solving problems such as environmental pollution and viruses.


[Company structure for market development/overseas expansion]
Steel products: We are developing our roll roller business in Russia, East Asia, North America, etc., centering on our sales department. We receive continuous orders from all blast furnace steelmakers in Japan. We also have the top domestic share in terms of the amount of products that have already been delivered to each electric furnace maker. Our CPC regeneration work roll and roll shaft friction joint are globally unique technologies.
Photocatalyst products: Offers for OEM supply have been increasing from major mail-order companies in the field of home air cleaners. We have succeeded in achieving high performance and cost reduction in the field of solar reactors, compared with the conventional method. The number of business meetings with various heavy industries and food makers has been increasing. It was decided in April 2015 that our product would be introduced as a deodorizing measure in the sludge disposal facility of a local public entity. We established a dedicated division in our Wakamatsu-Hibiki factory, and arranged a system for increased production. Our product is a unique air cleaner that has acquired authorization as a Japanese Atopic Dermatitis Patients Association recommended product.


[Market share/Ranking]
We have the top market share for various products such as crusher blades and driver gears for steel manufacturers, and reduction rolls and regenerating work rolls for electric furnace manufacturers.

[Awards and media coverage]
[Awards]
The 4th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award, Special Award (2012); Kyushu Industrial Technology Center Chairman’s Award in FY2012 (2012); the 39th Invention Grand Prize, Achievement Prize (2014); Resource Recycling Technology System Prize, by the Director General of the Industrial Technology Environment Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (2013).

[Media]
Mainichi Shimbun, “Toilet without smells” (February 6, 2009); Asahi Shimbun, “Business planner (deodorant tile with enhanced photocatalyst)” (September 29, 2009); Mainichi Shimbun, “Solution by thermal spraying technology (deodorant tiles are on the market)” (December 4, 2010); Yomiuri Shimbun, “Deodorization and sterilization by photocatalyst” (December 9, 2011); NHK, NHK News “Ohayo Nippon” (March 25, 2014).


[Authorization/Certification]
Acquired ISO 9001 certification (Sanyo factory in Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture).
Japan Atopic Dermatitis Patients Association recommended product (air cleaner using a photocatalyst filter).


[Joint research and development]
Our photocatalyst product technology development was conducted under collaboration among industry, universities, and government. Our partners included Kyushu Institute of Technology, the University of Kitakyushu, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu City and so on. This led to the production of various photocatalyst products.