Tigers Polymer

Basic Information

Stock Code
4231
Industry
Chemicals
Category Detail
Chemicals & Chemical Products
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
December 1948
Listing Year
April 2000
Official Website
https://tigers.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
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Overview

Tigers Polymer is a manufacturer of hoses and resin parts for chemical industries, headquartered in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, established in 1948. It possesses high technological capabilities in automotive intake system components and supplies parts to major automotive manufacturers as a specialized company.

Current Situation

Tigers Polymer achieved consolidated sales of approximately 39.7 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 2016 and is recognized as a leading company in automotive resin products and hose components within the chemical industry. It focuses on manufacturing automotive parts, rubber sheets, and resin hoses, providing stable supply to major customers including Honda Motor. In recent years, it has strengthened global expansion through overseas bases and is proactive in quality management and technology development. On the sustainability front, it engages in environmentally considerate product development and manufacturing process optimization, while collaborating with local communities on social contribution activities. Since 2021, under President Koji Sawada, it has expanded research and development, advancing innovations in new materials and molding technologies. The medium-term plan from 2025 onward prioritizes expanding product lineups and developing new materials compatible with vehicle electrification, aiming for sustainable growth. Along with management stabilization, it seeks to establish technological leadership in the industry through proactive technical partnerships domestically and internationally, as well as optimization of manufacturing bases.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Company name originates from the Year of the Tiger in 1938, the founding year.
  • Holds high market share in intake hoses for Honda Motor.
  • Began overseas expansion in 1977, with a long global history.
  • Production bases in Chicago, Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Mexico.
  • Strength in composite products combining rubber and resin for automotive parts.
  • President changed to Koji Sawada in 2021, strengthening R&D.
  • Products renowned for heat and durability, highly evaluated by customers.
  • Diversified business including industrial rubber sheets and anti-vibration pads.
  • Supported by major banks and trust banks as principal shareholders.
  • Developed from Nihon Sen'i Tokushu Kako Ltd. through name changes.

Hidden Connections

  • Has deep, decades-long transaction relationships with major automakers starting with Honda Motor.
  • Overseas base establishments linked to strategy for close customer-attached business expansion.
  • Rare company whose name derives from the Chinese zodiac of its founding year.
  • Main focus on parts manufacturing tailored to customer specifications rather than own brands.
  • Head office located on the 8th floor of Hankyu Senri Chuo Building in a prominent Osaka business area.
  • Operates integrated from manufacturing to sales using three wholly-owned subsidiaries.
  • Strength in technology from materials to product commercialization, holding numerous patents.
  • Specializes in B2B customer-close business model rather than consumer-oriented.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for electrification-compatible products
  • Product innovation driven by stricter environmental regulations in the automotive industry
  • Expansion of manufacturing bases in global markets
  • Product differentiation through new material development
  • Growing demand for hoses with high heat and chemical resistance
  • Demand for eco-materials due to rising environmental awareness domestically and internationally
  • Demand for parts for industrial robots and automation equipment
  • Strengthened product development responsive to customer needs
  • Maintaining technological superiority through R&D investments
  • Cost reductions via logistics efficiency
  • Stable growth in compact car markets
  • Resilient supply chain strengthening

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 30% sales ratio from electric vehicle-related parts
  • Expand lineup of low-environmental-impact products
  • Realize overseas sales ratio exceeding 40%
  • Full implementation of digitalization in product development and production automation
  • Strengthen permeation of sustainability policies internally and externally
  • Maintain annual patent acquisitions at 20 or more
  • Aggressive promotion and diversification of new customer development
  • Optimization of quality management to international standards
  • Expansion of talent development programs domestically and internationally
  • Continuous stable profits based on medium- to long-term management plans

Business Segments

Automotive Parts Manufacturing

Overview
Manufactures automotive hoses and resin parts and supplies them to major automakers.
Competitiveness
Long-life products using high heat-resistant and high-durability materials
Customers
  • Honda Motor
  • Toyota Motor
  • Nissan Motor
  • Denso
  • Aisin
Products
  • Intake System Hoses
  • Fuel System Hoses
  • Anti-Vibration Rubber Parts
  • Sealing Materials

Industrial Materials Supply

Overview
Provides rubber and resin products for various industrial machinery, supporting diverse industrial sectors.
Competitiveness
Broad range of products applicable through material technologies
Customers
  • Industrial Machinery Manufacturers
  • Electronic Parts Manufacturers
  • Logistics Equipment Manufacturers
Products
  • Rubber Sheets
  • Plastic Molded Products
  • Belt Components

Overseas Business Division

Overview
Deploys products tailored to local needs in Asian and North American markets.
Competitiveness
Quick response capabilities leveraging overseas bases
Customers
  • Overseas Automakers
  • Local Parts Manufacturers
Products
  • Hose Products
  • Molded Resin Parts

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Technological expertise in automotive hoses and resin parts
  • Proven track record of stable transactions with major automakers
  • Advanced development of high heat- and chemical-resistant materials
  • Global manufacturing base network
  • Diverse product lineup
  • Robust research and development structure
  • High quality control capabilities
  • Global sales and service system
  • Extensive industry knowledge and experience
  • Ownership of patented technologies
  • In-house molding and processing technologies
  • Eco-friendly product offerings
  • Stable financial foundation
  • Comprehensive engineer training programs
  • Rapid customer response capabilities

Competitive Advantages

  • Market share leadership in automotive intake hoses
  • Gaining trust through products balancing high quality and durability
  • Extensive supply record to automakers domestically and internationally
  • Continuous introduction of new materials and technologies via R&D
  • Global market対応 production and logistics network
  • Improved manufacturing efficiency through multi-material integral molding
  • High compliance with environmental regulations
  • Integrated system from parts development to mass production
  • Flexible response to small-lot, multi-variety production
  • Ongoing demonstration of advanced technologies in technical discussions
  • Realized logistics efficiency and shortened delivery times
  • Strong partnerships with sales agents
  • Market development leveraging overseas subsidiaries
  • Maintaining international standards in quality assurance systems
  • Cost competitiveness compared to competitors

Threats

  • Changes in parts demand due to electrification in the automotive industry
  • Risks from fluctuations in raw material prices
  • Price pressures from intensifying international competition
  • Increased costs for product adaptation due to stricter environmental regulations
  • Emergence of new materials and alternative technologies
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on import/export costs
  • Risks of natural disasters at production sites
  • Order fluctuations due to production adjustments by key customers
  • Risks from international trade friction and tariffs
  • Challenges in talent acquisition and rising training costs
  • Technological innovations by competitors
  • Shifts in awareness toward social responsibility and environmental issues

Innovations

2024: Development of High Heat-Resistant Resin Hoses

Overview
Developed new material hoses with enhanced heat resistance for electric vehicles.
Impact
Contributes to new market development and revenue base expansion.

2023: Advancement of Integral Molding Technology

Overview
Evolved technology for integral molding of multiple materials to improve manufacturing efficiency.
Impact
Achieved 15% reduction in manufacturing costs and improved product quality.

2022: Adoption of Environmentally Friendly Rubber Materials

Overview
Introduced eco-rubber materials using renewable resources into products.
Impact
Reduced environmental impact and improved ESG evaluation from clients.

2021: Introduction of Automated Equipment at Overseas Production Bases

Overview
Installed latest automation lines at major overseas factories.
Impact
Successfully improved production efficiency by 25% and reduced labor costs.

2023: Patent Acquisition for Chemical Resistance Enhancement Technology

Overview
Established proprietary technology to enhance resistance to chemical agents.
Impact
Acquired valuable intellectual property advantageous for new market development.

Sustainability

  • Formulation of CO2 emission reduction plans in product manufacturing
  • Active adoption of recyclable materials
  • Promotion of waste reduction and production efficiency
  • Participation in local community environmental conservation activities
  • Implementation of employee environmental education programs
  • Energy optimization for energy-saving initiatives
  • Introduction of environmental impact assessments for products
  • Maintenance of Environmental Management System (ISO 14001)
  • Strengthening environmental standards in the supply chain
  • Clarification of green procurement policies
  • Efficient water resource management and water-saving activities
  • Promotion of sustainable material procurement