Imura

Basic Information

Stock Code
3955
Industry
Pulp and Paper
Category Detail
Daily Necessities & Household Products
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
February 1950
Listing Year
July 2000
Official Website
https://www.imura.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
ShinTo Holdings, Toel, Hobonichi, Orbex, Mirial, Yukes, Nikkato, Ishii Hyoji, Tomita Electric, Nanshin, Noritsu Koki, Pilot Corporation, King Jim, LIHIT LAB, Mitsubishi Pencil, Kokuyo, Sailor Fountain Pen, Sankyo Kasei, Kinei

Overview

Imura is Japan's largest paper product manufacturer, established in 1950, specializing in envelope production and holding over 20% domestic market share as the leading company in the custom-made envelope industry.

Current Situation

Imura recorded consolidated net sales of approximately 21.2 billion yen and operating profit of about 870 million yen for the fiscal year ended January 2021, maintaining stable performance. As the domestic leader, it holds over 20% share particularly in the envelope market for invoices and direct mail. It excels in custom-made products, which account for about 88% of total envelope sales. Through R&D, it possesses proprietary technologies in printing and bag-making machines, striving to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency. It focuses on sustainability, having obtained ISO14001 certification and working to reduce environmental impact. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it has secured stable sales channels through diversified logistics and distribution. In the medium to long term, it positions digital DM business and EC packaging materials expansion as key strategies. Synergies with subsidiary Hashimoto Corporation are also anticipated. It will continue to strengthen competitiveness in the envelope market and promote new businesses in tandem.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Leads the envelope industry as the only listed company.
  • Domestic envelope market share of about 20% as the largest player.
  • Window envelope manufacturing technology is top-class in Japan.
  • Founded in 1918 in Nara Prefecture starting with luggage tags.
  • Efficient operations with dual headquarters in Osaka and Tokyo.
  • Owns and manufactures proprietary rotary bag-making machines.
  • Strong in custom orders for invoice envelopes.
  • Early adopter of environmental ISO certification as an eco-conscious company.
  • Diverse sales channels covering broad customer segments.
  • Business diversification through collaboration with packaging materials subsidiary.

Hidden Connections

  • Major supplier of invoice envelopes to the financial industry with deep transaction relationships.
  • Exclusively secures share in the telecom industry's DM envelope market.
  • Full entry into EC market via establishment of packaging materials subsidiary.
  • Expanding mailing business through partnerships with major advertising agencies.
  • Proprietary bag-making machine technology has become the industry standard.
  • Cooperates with Ministry of Environment on recycling and sustainable projects.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increased packaging material demand from EC market expansion
  • Envelope product needs linked with digital DM
  • Rising customer interest in eco-friendly products
  • Advancement of digitalization and automation in manufacturing technology
  • Strengthened product deployment across diverse industries
  • Business diversification utilizing subsidiaries

Strategic Goals

  • Over 50% sales ratio for environmentally considerate envelope products
  • Business expansion targeting over 30 billion yen in total sales
  • Capture 30% share in major national markets
  • Profitability and expansion of digital DM business
  • Achieve energy savings and zero emissions in manufacturing factories
  • Value enhancement through strengthened collaboration with packaging subsidiaries
  • Explore global clients and overseas expansion

Business Segments

Envelope Manufacturing & Sales

Overview
Provides high-quality custom-made envelopes tailored to diverse customer needs.
Competitiveness
Integrated bag-making and printing production enables short delivery times and high quality.
Customers
  • Banks
  • Financial Institutions
  • Telecom Companies
  • Government Offices
  • Printing Companies
  • Large Corporations
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Retailers
  • General Offices
  • Post Offices
  • Logistics Companies
  • Universities & Educational Institutions
  • Manufacturers
  • Medical Institutions
  • Insurance Companies
Products
  • Custom-Made Envelopes
  • Window Envelopes
  • Invoice Envelopes
  • DM Envelopes
  • Security Envelopes
  • Custom Color Envelopes
  • Envelope Processing Machines
  • Paper Bags
  • Rotary Bag Products
  • Office Envelopes
  • Laser-Print Compatible Envelopes
  • Water-Resistant Envelopes
  • Eco-Friendly Envelopes
  • Gift Envelopes
  • Eco Material Envelopes

Mailing Services

Overview
Provides integrated services from DM planning and production to dispatch.
Competitiveness
One-stop service linked with envelope manufacturing is a key strength.
Customers
  • Financial Institutions
  • Telecom Companies
  • Major Advertising Agencies
  • Mail-Order Companies
  • Government Agencies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Insurance Companies
  • Logistics Companies
  • Real Estate Companies
  • Manufacturers
Products
  • DM Planning & Production
  • Printing Services
  • Insertion Agency
  • Dispatch Agency
  • Marketing Support
  • Customer Data Management
  • Targeting Analysis
  • Response Analysis
  • Call Center Integration
  • Lead Management

Information Systems Business

Overview
Implements IT system construction and operational support for companies.
Competitiveness
Synergies with paper-related business promote business efficiency.
Customers
  • SMEs
  • Government Offices
  • Manufacturers
  • Retailers
  • Service Industries
  • Educational Institutions
Products
  • Business System Development
  • OA Equipment Sales
  • IT Maintenance Support
  • Network Construction
  • Cloud Services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Japan's largest envelope manufacturer
  • High custom-made response capability
  • Possesses advanced rotary bag-making technology
  • Extensive sales channel network
  • Long industry track record and trust
  • Environmental certification (ISO14001) obtained
  • Dual headquarters system strengthens customer response
  • Business expansion through subsidiary collaboration
  • Diverse product lineup
  • Strong customer base (centered on finance and telecom)

Competitive Advantages

  • Only listed company in envelope industry with high transparency
  • Market superiority in high-value-added invoice envelopes
  • Efficiency of integrated bag-making and printing production
  • Flexible response to customer needs via made-to-order
  • Customer convenience from mailing service integration
  • Quality assurance via ISO9001/14001 certification
  • Stable supply through multiple nationwide factories
  • Productivity improvement via latest equipment
  • Accumulated technology and know-how over years
  • Product deployment tailored to diverse industry needs

Threats

  • Decline in paper media demand due to digitalization
  • Intensifying price competition from new entrants
  • Risk of raw material cost fluctuations
  • Increased compliance costs from stricter environmental regulations
  • Profit deterioration from rising logistics costs
  • Prolonged COVID-19 impact
  • Order reductions from customer performance declines
  • Intensified competition from imported products
  • Need for rapid response to technological innovations
  • Development burden from rising consumer environmental awareness

Innovations

2023: Subsidiary Acquisition of Hashimoto Corporation

Overview
Acquired as subsidiary to strengthen synergies in packaging materials and expand business.
Impact
Contributes to diversification in packaging materials and sales growth.

2022: Establishment of EC Packaging Factory (Nara Prefecture)

Overview
New factory built to expand production capacity for e-commerce packaging materials.
Impact
Improved supply capacity for EC market products.

2021: High-Efficiency Upgrade of Rotary Bag-Making Machines

Overview
Improved production efficiency and quality stability through proprietary technology.
Impact
Achieved cost reductions and productivity gains.

2024: Development of Recycled Paper Envelopes with Environmental Consideration

Overview
Launched envelope products using sustainable materials.
Impact
Increased demand from environmentally conscious customers.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of environmental management through ISO14001 certification
  • Development of envelopes using 100% recycled paper
  • Introduction of energy-saving equipment in factories and waste reduction
  • Adoption of environmentally friendly packaging materials
  • Employee environmental education and awareness activities
  • Introduction of green procurement standards