Corporate
Profile

[Company strength]
We handle glass products with various shapes and uses, from tableware to optical lenses. We cooperate with partner enterprises to supply peripheral equipment such as dissolution hearths and dies, which cannot be separated from glass forming, as a full range of equipment. We also engage in R&D for next-generation forming machines in order to enable more precise and fine forming. Our research laboratory is constantly working to improve our technology. This includes Fresnel lenses and homogenizers for concentrated-type solar power generation, cover glass for smartphones and wearable terminals, and the development of forming machines of head-up display glass.

[Business description]
We have been providing integrated design and manufacturing of forming equipment for glass products for over 64 years since our foundation. We supply various kinds of equipment involved in glass forming on a fully made-to-order basis, including press machines, feeders, shearing lines, IS machines, and marble machines. We deliver to a wide range of overseas manufacturers as well as glass manufacturers in Japan.



[Industry]
Special machine manufacturing for the glass industry

[Strength of products/technologies]
We are developing and marketing forming equipment for curved surfaces of thin-plate glass. This is a forming machine that makes glass with a curved surface for smartphones and head-up displays. This forming method is totally different from conventional mold pressing, direct pressing, and reheat pressing. It can achieve high-precision, high-quality, high-efficiency mass production. Our research laboratory provides demonstrations using a demonstration machine. We can also manufacture a prototype by making use of the material and shape you require (extra charges apply).

[Representative's message]
Our company has been providing integrated design and manufacturing of forming equipment for glass products since our foundation, and has supported the development of the glass industry. We are now the only specialized manufacturer in this field in Japan. We celebrated our 60th anniversary in January 2012. We want to promote technical development as Japan’s only manufacturer specialized in glass forming equipment so we can supply dreams and passion to our customers. We also want to actively develop overseas business by making use of our next-generation forming machine.

[Company structure for market development/overseas expansion]
Most of the forming machines we have handled to date were made-to-order machines specified by our customers, so horizontal business expansion was difficult for us. We will now advance totally new forming machines that we have independently developed, and aim to acquire new customers with this technology. We are advancing market cultivation through trading companies in Japan and overseas, and we actively support requests for making prototypes.

[Market share/Ranking]
We are Japan’s only specialized manufacturer of glass-forming equipment.

[Awards and media coverage]
[Awards]
Commendation from Amagasaki Credit Union (2014); Hanshin Monozukuri Leading Company 100 (2004).

[Media]
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (2014, and so on); SUN-TV, “Kirari Keizai” (2012); Teikoku News, “Business Launcher” (2012); Hyogo Keizai Senryaku (2010).



[Authorization/Certification]
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Strategic Core Technology Advancement Program (2006).
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Global Technological Cooperation Program (2012).
Hyogo Prefecture, Management Innovation Plan (2009).



[Joint research and development]
The Advanced Materials Processing Institute Kinki Japan, AIST Kansai Center, and Hyogo Prefectural Institute of Technology: Joint development of a fly-eye lens mass production automatic forming machine (2004).
The Advanced Materials Processing Institute Kinki Japan: Joint development of a plate-glass forming machine for liquid crystal displays and backlights (2006).
University of Shiga Prefecture, Osaka University, University of Toronto, and Technology Research Institute of Osaka Prefecture: Joint development to enhance reliability assurance technology for optical glass device forming (SAPOIN, 2006). 
Kobe University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and Technology Research Institute of Osaka Prefecture: Joint development of curved surface forming equipment for thin-plate glass for next-generation information terminals and tablet PCs, and sales expansion (2012).


[Intellectual property]
Glass Curved Surface Forming Equipment and Method (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2013-045963).



[Main Clients / Business History (domestic)]
We deliver to major glass manufacturers. (We cannot disclose specific user names and products due to non-disclosure agreements.) 

[Main Clients / Business History (overseas)]
We deliver to major glass manufacturers and glass processing manufacturers. (We cannot disclose specific user names and products due to non-disclosure agreements.)