Ashimori Industry

Basic Information

Stock Code
3526
Industry
Transportation Equipment
Category Detail
Auto Parts
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
December 1935
Listing Year
January 1950
Official Website
https://www.ashimori.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Toyota Boshoku, Selen, Nishikawa Rubber Industry, Ji-Tekuto, Toa Seiki, Nippatsu, Nikki, Taiheiyo Kogyo, Toyoda Gosei, Meiwa Industry, Murakami Kaimei-do, TE-Estec, IA G

Overview

Ashimori Industry is a transportation equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, founded in 1935, leading the industry in industrial materials such as fire hoses and automotive seat belts.

Current Situation

Ashimori Industry recorded consolidated sales of approximately 51.2 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 360 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 2021, but posted a net loss of approximately 430 million yen. It maintains a solid market foundation in the manufacture of industrial materials such as mainstays like fire hoses, automotive seat belts, and airbags. Through a capital and business alliance with Toyoda Gosei, it is striving to strengthen its technological capabilities and sales power. It operates numerous subsidiaries domestically and internationally, particularly strengthening its expansion into Asian and European markets. Technologically, it has developed the proprietary ASTM-certified Palterm HL manufacturing method, enhancing quality and safety. With environmental considerations, it has obtained ISO 14001 certification and is actively engaged in improving sustainable manufacturing processes. In 2023, it transitioned to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market, aiming for further enhancement of corporate value. Moving forward, the advancement of safety components and global business expansion are key growth strategies.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Historic industrial materials manufacturer founded in 1935
  • Holds high share in the domestic fire hose market
  • Proprietary Palterm HL method has obtained ASTM certification
  • Toyoda Gosei is the largest shareholder with capital and business alliance
  • Holds ISO 9001, 14001, and IATF 16949 certifications
  • Global expansion with 7 subsidiaries domestically and internationally
  • Diverse range from fire truck hoses to automotive safety parts
  • Delisted from Osaka Securities Exchange in 2013 and listed on TSE
  • Diversified company also handling safety harnesses and synthetic fiber products
  • Headquartered in Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture, continuing solid management
  • Products widely adopted in automotive, firefighting, and marine industries
  • Established Palterm Technology Association to promote technology standardization
  • Actively pursuing emerging technologies and overseas market entry
  • Successive presidents leading stable management and expansion
  • Developed centered on synthetic fiber manufacturing technology since founding

Hidden Connections

  • Strengthened influence in the automotive industry through capital and business alliance with Toyoda Gosei
  • Deepens collaboration with fiber-related companies as Nippon Kobo is the largest shareholder
  • Transactions with many local governments as Japan's largest domestic producer of fire truck hoses
  • Trusted as a Toyota group supplier due to IATF 16949 certification
  • Continuing production in Yamaguchi Prefecture even after closing Hofu factory
  • Conquering the European market from European office establishment to local subsidiary
  • Expanded into fishing and marine sectors leveraging synthetic fiber rope manufacturing technology
  • Holds patents related to Palterm HL method and protects technology domestically and internationally

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Demand expansion from global strengthening of automotive safety regulations
  • Increased demand for firefighting equipment due to heightened disaster prevention awareness
  • Technological innovation through strengthened alliance with Toyoda Gosei
  • Advancement of expansion in global markets, especially Asia and Europe
  • Competitive enhancement through environmentally considerate product development
  • Diversification of industrial safety materials and creation of new markets
  • Customer base expansion through increased OEM production
  • Development of new applications for high-quality synthetic fibers
  • Productivity improvement and cost reduction through digitalization
  • Strengthened sustainable procurement and supply chain

Strategic Goals

  • Expand global sales ratio to over 50%
  • Maintain domestic top position in firefighting and automotive safety parts sectors
  • Sustainabilize all businesses with commitment to reducing environmental impact
  • Accelerate joint technology development with Toyoda Gosei
  • Achieve over 10% sales growth in export markets
  • Strengthen development of new product lineup
  • Achieve 30% reduction in energy use and CO2 emissions in production processes
  • Enhance corporate brand through strengthened ties with local communities
  • Prioritize employee skills and safety assurance
  • Build sustainable supply chain

Business Segments

Automotive Parts Manufacturing

Overview
Widely manufactures automotive safety parts and supplies them to manufacturers domestically and internationally.
Competitiveness
Stable supply capability based on high technological strength and quality control
Customers
  • Automobile manufacturers
  • Automotive parts trading companies
  • OEM companies
  • Second-tier subcontractors
Products
  • Seat belts
  • Airbags
  • Belts for child seats
  • Tonno covers
  • Sun shades
  • Separation nets

Firefighting Related Products

Overview
Manufactures high-performance hoses contributing to improved safety of firefighting equipment.
Competitiveness
Product lineup with proprietary heat-resistant and high-durability technology
Customers
  • Fire truck manufacturers
  • Firefighting equipment contractors
  • Government agencies
Products
  • Firefighting discharge hoses
  • Hydrant hoses

Industrial Safety Harnesses and Industrial Materials

Overview
Supplies industrial materials aimed at ensuring safety at work sites.
Competitiveness
High-performance materials manufacturing that meets safety standards
Customers
  • Construction companies
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Railway companies
  • Logistics companies
Products
  • Safety harnesses
  • Synthetic fiber ropes
  • Industrial belts

Fishing and Maritime Related Materials

Overview
Department providing durable materials for fishing and shipping.
Competitiveness
Robust product lineup adapted to marine environments
Customers
  • Fishing cooperatives
  • Shipping companies
  • Fishing gear manufacturers
Products
  • Fishing ropes
  • Marine belts

Export of Products for Overseas Markets

Overview
Exports major products to overseas markets to promote global expansion.
Competitiveness
Quality control system supporting multiple languages
Customers
  • Overseas automobile manufacturers
  • Export agents
  • Overseas materials trading companies
Products
  • Seat belts
  • Airbags
  • Fire hoses

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Domestic top market share in fire hoses
  • Technological strength in seat belts and airbags
  • Capital and business alliance with Toyoda Gosei
  • Extensive domestic and international production and sales network
  • High-quality proprietary Palterm technology
  • Quality management system with ISO certifications
  • Established manufacturing technology for industrial safety harnesses
  • Risk diversification through diverse product lineup
  • Brand reliability backed by long history
  • Sustainable manufacturing system with environmental considerations

Competitive Advantages

  • Industry-leading firefighting hose manufacturing technology and durability
  • Wide range of safety parts products for the automotive industry
  • Stable trading relationships with major domestic and international automakers
  • Global expansion through local subsidiaries in Asia and Europe
  • Technological superiority from ASTM certification of Palterm HL method
  • Joint development and sales expansion through capital alliance
  • OEM production responsiveness and flexible customization
  • Product design and inspection system meeting high safety standards
  • Revenue diversification across firefighting and automotive sectors
  • Stable foundation in mature markets

Threats

  • Changes in parts demand due to electrification and autonomous driving in the automotive industry
  • Cost increases from strengthened international safety standards
  • Rising raw material prices and procurement risks
  • Competitors' technological innovations and low-price offensives
  • Risk of production facility damage from natural disasters
  • Profit instability due to exchange rate fluctuations
  • Equipment investment burden from strengthened environmental regulations
  • Intensified price competition in emerging markets
  • Long-term domestic demand contraction due to population decline
  • Delivery delays from supply chain disruptions

Innovations

2023: Electric Sunshade Development for Tonno Covers

Overview
Added electric sunshade function to automotive tonno covers to improve comfort.
Impact
New market development and enhancement of value-added products

2023: Palterm HL Method Durability Improvement Research

Overview
Significantly enhanced durability and safety of proprietary synthetic fiber ropes.
Impact
Improved market competitiveness of fire hoses

2024: Launch of New Seat Belts for Child Seats

Overview
Developed and launched new products that are easy to attach/detach while ensuring safety.
Impact
Expansion of market share targeting family segment

2022: Promotion of Production Automation at Overseas Factories

Overview
Introduced latest robot technology into manufacturing lines at Asian bases.
Impact
20% improvement in production efficiency and cost reduction

2021: Joint Development with Toyoda Gosei Begins

Overview
Started joint research and development of new safety parts through capital and business alliance.
Impact
Strengthened product lineup and increased market competitiveness

Sustainability

  • Strengthened environmental management through ISO 14001 acquisition
  • Reduction of waste and promotion of recycling in manufacturing processes
  • CO2 emissions reduction through introduction of energy-saving equipment
  • Active adoption of environmentally friendly materials
  • Participation in environmental conservation activities with local communities
  • Promotion of product recycling system development