MERF
Basic Information
- Stock Code
- 3168
- Industry
- Wholesale
- Category Detail
- Iron, Steel & Metal Products
- Prefecture
- Toyama Prefecture
- Establishment Year
- August 1977
- Listing Year
- June 2011
- Official Website
- https://www.kurotani.co.jp/
- TSE Information
- TSE Information
- Yahoo! Finance
- Yahoo! Finance
- Other Companies
- Soneck, Brass, Nippon Nobu, CK Sanetsu, TVE
Overview
MERF is a leading industry player originating from Toyama Prefecture, with its main business in the processing and sales of non-ferrous metals and copper rolled products, leveraging unique manufacturing capabilities and international expansion.
Current Situation
MERF recorded sales of approximately 82.1 billion yen and total assets of approximately 26.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ending August 2024, maintaining solid performance. The core business centers on the manufacturing and sales of copper rolled products, copper alloys, aluminum alloys, and wholesale of non-ferrous metals, with particular strengths in copper ingot production and extensive sales networks both domestically and internationally. It is expanding globally through local subsidiaries in Oregon, USA, and Bangkok, Thailand. Domestically, the head office factory is located in Imizu City, and it also manufactures and sells art and craft products for diversification. Certifications such as ISO9001 and ISO14001 have been obtained, earning high evaluation for quality and environmental initiatives. In January 2025, the company name was changed from Kurotani Co., Ltd. to MERF to strengthen the brand, with core strategies focused on expanding manufacturing bases and advancing into overseas markets. The competitive environment is influenced by price fluctuations in the non-ferrous metals industry, but unique manufacturing technologies and a solid financial foundation serve as sources of competitiveness. Moving forward, it will focus on developing high-value-added products and strengthening overseas operations to achieve sustainable growth.
Trivia
Interesting Facts
- Founded in 1870, tradition of a venerable non-ferrous metal company in Toyama Prefecture
- One of the few small and medium-sized metal processing companies with local subsidiaries in the US and Thailand
- Long history and advanced technology in art and craft product production
- Integrated handling from scrap to manufacturing in domestic non-ferrous metal wholesale
- Highly acclaimed in the industry for copper alloy extrusion ingot manufacturing
Hidden Connections
- Thailand local subsidiary deeply connected to ASEAN automotive parts market
- US subsidiary strengthened as a local production base in consideration of Trump administration trade policies
Future Outlook
Growth Drivers
- Stable growth in global non-ferrous metal demand
- Strengthening of global production bases and localized sales
- Technological innovation in high-value-added copper alloy products
- Expansion of resource recycling business amid stricter environmental regulations
- Increasing industrial demand in Southeast Asia
Strategic Goals
- Achieve 60% overseas sales ratio
- Strengthen environmental measures targeting 25% reduction in CO2 emissions
- Expand lineup of high-performance copper and aluminum alloy products
- Further advance automation and smartization of manufacturing processes
- Realize coexistence with local communities and sustainable corporate management
Business Segments
Non-Ferrous Metal Wholesale
- Overview
- Wholesale business of non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum for domestic and international markets.
- Competitiveness
- Stable supply of high-quality products and prompt response
- Customers
-
- Construction companies
- Electronics manufacturers
- Industrial parts manufacturers
- Automotive industry
- Manufacturers
- Products
-
- Copper ingots
- Copper alloy ingots
- Aluminum alloy materials
- Non-ferrous metal scrap
Manufacturing and Processing Business
- Overview
- Precision processing and manufacturing of copper alloys and aluminum alloys.
- Competitiveness
- Proprietary extrusion molding technology and quality control
- Customers
-
- Industrial machinery manufacturers
- Construction materials suppliers
- Exporters
- Products
-
- Copper alloy extruded products
- Copper processed products
Art and Craft Products Sales
- Overview
- Business providing highly decorative copper craft products.
- Competitiveness
- High artistry based on traditional techniques
- Customers
-
- Museums
- Interior designers
- Cultural facilities
- Products
-
- Copper craft art products
- Art objects
Competitive Advantage
Strengths
- Unique copper alloy extrusion technology
- Established non-ferrous metal distribution network
- Global business expansion
- Diverse product portfolio
- High-quality art and craft product manufacturing
Competitive Advantages
- Possesses manufacturing and sales bases both domestically and internationally
- Strengthened quality management system including ISO certification
- Expansion of customer contact through US and Thailand local subsidiaries
- Product lineup adaptable to a wide range of customers
- Focus on sustainable resource recycling business
Threats
- Risk of raw material price fluctuations
- Strengthening of international trade regulations
- Intensifying price competition with domestic and international competitors
- Increased manufacturing costs due to stricter environmental regulations
- Impact on earnings from exchange rate fluctuations
Innovations
2024: New Copper Ingot Manufacturing Facility in the US
- Overview
- Commenced operations of copper ingot manufacturing equipment in Oregon, strengthening local production.
- Impact
- Reduced transportation costs and stabilized supply
2023: Development of High-Corrosion-Resistant Copper Alloy
- Overview
- Developed and launched new copper alloy products with superior corrosion resistance.
- Impact
- Enhanced responsiveness to customer needs
2022: Advancement of Manufacturing Process Automation
- Overview
- Introduced robots into the extrusion process in factories to improve production efficiency.
- Impact
- 15% productivity improvement and quality stabilization
2021: Introduction of Environmentally Friendly Recycling System
- Overview
- Installed equipment to improve efficiency in collection and reuse of non-ferrous metal scrap.
- Impact
- Reduced environmental impact and maximized resource utilization
Sustainability
- Thorough environmental management through ISO14001 certification
- Improved recycling rate of scrap resources
- Promotion of energy-saving equipment upgrades
- Collaboration with local communities on environmental conservation activities
- Strengthened quality assurance through ISO9001