Nicca Chemical

Basic Information

Stock Code
4463
Industry
Chemicals
Category Detail
Chemicals & Chemical Products
Prefecture
Fukui Prefecture
Establishment Year
September 1941
Listing Year
September 1993
Official Website
https://www.nicca.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
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Overview

Nicca Chemical is a chemical manufacturer founded in 1941, with surfactants for textile processing as its mainstay, also engaged in cosmetics and detergents for beauty salons, and possesses a robust manufacturing and sales network both domestically and internationally.

Current Situation

Nicca Chemical achieved consolidated sales of approximately 48.5 billion yen and net profit of approximately 1.4 billion yen in fiscal 2023, maintaining a high market share in Japan for its mainstay surfactants for textile processing. It is working on expanding professional cosmetics for beauty salons and diversifying into semiconductor processing chemicals, securing competitiveness in niche specialized fields. It has multiple manufacturing bases and research institutes in Japan, as well as overseas bases in Taiwan, Korea, China, Southeast Asia, and the United States. In recent years, it has focused on sustainability, acquiring certification as a superior health management corporation. Even after changes in its major shareholders, it maintains a stable management foundation and is promoting a medium-term strategy aimed at long-term market growth and global expansion. It is investing resources in digitalization and development of technologies to reduce environmental impact, responding agilely to changes in industry needs. Moving forward, it aims for sustainable growth by expanding sales channels in Southeast Asia and China, along with strengthening its environmentally responsive product lineup.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Long-established company with over 80 years of history in textile surfactants.
  • Has a research institute in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, promoting technology development in collaboration with the local community.
  • Representative listed regional company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market.
  • Focuses on promoting employee health as a certified superior health management corporation.
  • Includes Nagase & Co. among major shareholders, building stable capital relationships.
  • Deploys numerous hair care products dedicated for beauty salons, highly rated in the salon industry.
  • High expertise in both textile processing agents and cosmetics fields.
  • Has multiple local subsidiaries in Taiwan, Korea, and China in Asia.
  • Also sells hair care products to general consumers and is expanding brands.
  • Station named 'Nicca Chemical-mae Station' exists as naming rights for local transportation.
  • One of Japan's major domestic companies in manufacturing industrial oils and surfactants.
  • Actively investing in new technology development for reduced environmental impact in recent years.
  • Started with only textile chemicals at founding but has diversified its business.
  • Has an in-house hair science laboratory, deepening research and development of beauty products.
  • Deploys detailed sales activities nationwide through a wide network of business locations.

Hidden Connections

  • Closely collaborates with local Fukui textile industry, supporting the regional economy.
  • Strengthens group collaboration within the chemical industry through capital ties with Nagase & Co.
  • Jointly develops hair care products with the beauty industry to promote market launch.
  • Accelerating Asian market expansion utilizing Taiwan and Korea subsidiaries.
  • Expanding product lineup through collaboration with cosmetics OEM subsidiaries.
  • Holds influence in the domestic pharmaceutical industry through supply of medical-related raw materials.
  • Regularly holds health promotion events for local residents, contributing to society.
  • Rare in the prefecture for a company to have its name on transportation infrastructure, showing management efforts.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Stable growth in demand for high-function chemicals for domestic textile industry
  • Expansion of beauty market and strengthening of professional cosmetics
  • Increased demand for environmentally considerate products to comply with environmental regulations
  • Growth through expansion of manufacturing and sales bases in Asian countries
  • Improved productivity and efficiency via digital technology utilization
  • Increased demand for raw materials in medical and health-related fields
  • Brand strengthening through permeation of sustainability management
  • Market expansion for special chemicals for semiconductors and electronic components
  • New product creation and market development through R&D investment
  • Enrichment of CSR activities in collaboration with local communities
  • Improved competitiveness through strengthened global supply network
  • Enhanced corporate value through talent development and health management

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 70% sales ratio for environmentally responsive products
  • Expand overseas sales to over 40% of total
  • Increase annual R&D investment to 5% of sales
  • Improve production efficiency by 30% through digital technology introduction
  • Acquire superior health management corporation gold certification
  • Reduce supply chain CO2 emissions by 50%
  • Secure over 10 billion yen in sales from new businesses
  • Increase number of quality certifications domestically and internationally by 10
  • Implement over 20 collaboration programs with local communities
  • Maintain and improve employee satisfaction to over 80%

Business Segments

Material Supply for Textile Industry

Overview
Manufactures and sells various processing chemicals for the textile industry, providing high-quality specialized materials.
Competitiveness
High market share and technological strength in the niche textile processing chemical market
Customers
  • Textile processing factories
  • Apparel manufacturers
  • Flame-retardant product manufacturers
  • Textile trading companies
  • Industrial material trading companies
  • Coating contractors
  • Processing technology development companies
  • Home centers
  • Dyeing factories
  • Textile manufacturing equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Surfactants
  • Flame-retardant processing agents
  • Water repellents
  • Oil and fat materials
  • Special coating agents
  • Processing aids
  • Environmentally responsive chemicals
  • Heat-resistant additives
  • Anti-fouling agents
  • Textile modifiers

Products for Beauty Salons and Hair/Beauty Industry

Overview
Develops and sells high-function hair care products dedicated for beauty salons, strongly supporting customer needs.
Competitiveness
Product development capabilities and sales channels specialized for the beauty salon niche market
Customers
  • Beauty salons
  • Hair salons
  • Beauty trading companies
  • Cosmetics wholesalers
  • Beauty schools
  • Hair/beauty equipment manufacturers
  • Major distributors
  • Local retailers
  • Online mail-order businesses
  • Specialty stores
Products
  • Professional shampoos
  • Treatments
  • Hair colorants
  • Scalp care products
  • Styling agents
  • Cosmetic raw materials
  • Hair tonics
  • Beauty devices
  • Hair care accessories
  • Lotions

Materials for Cleaning Industry

Overview
Provides high-performance detergents and aids to the cleaning industry, supporting high-quality services.
Competitiveness
Customizable product lineup tailored to industry needs
Customers
  • Cleaning factories
  • Cleaning supply wholesalers
  • Cleaning stores
  • Professional detergent wholesalers
  • Apartment management companies
  • Hotels and accommodations
  • Hospital facilities
  • Factory facility management companies
  • Coin laundry operators
  • Construction and facility management companies
Products
  • Professional detergents
  • Bleaches
  • Fabric softeners
  • Special cleaners
  • Deodorizers
  • Cleaning aids
  • Stain removers
  • Environmentally responsive detergents
  • Cleaning machine consumables
  • Anti-fouling coating agents

Chemicals for Semiconductor and Electronic Components Industry

Overview
Manufactures chemicals for semiconductor production requiring high purity and precision, with thorough quality control.
Competitiveness
Strength in high-purity chemical development and long-term stable supply systems
Customers
  • Semiconductor equipment manufacturers
  • Electronic component manufacturers
  • R&D institutions
  • Chemical specialty trading companies
  • Semiconductor factories
  • Electronic device manufacturers
  • Precision machinery factories
  • Measurement instrument manufacturers
  • Industrial testing institutions
  • Electronic materials wholesalers
Products
  • Wafer cleaning agents
  • Photoresist removers
  • LCD panel chemicals
  • High-purity solvents
  • Surface treatment agents
  • Etching agents
  • Cleaning aids
  • Semiconductor manufacturing aids
  • Special coating agents
  • Development reagents

Chemicals for Paper and Pulp Industry

Overview
Provides various chemicals used in paper and pulp manufacturing processes, supporting improved paper quality and cost reduction.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive support with a wide range of paper and pulp-related chemicals
Customers
  • Paper and pulp manufacturers
  • Papermaking machinery manufacturers
  • Printers
  • Packaging material manufacturers
  • Environmental plant operators
  • Wastewater treatment equipment operators
  • Raw material procurement companies
  • Industrial waste processors
  • Trading companies
  • Papermaking research institutions
Products
  • Bleaching agents
  • Strength modifiers
  • Paper surfactants
  • Water repellents
  • Anti-fouling agents
  • Chemical additives
  • Water treatment chemicals
  • Pulp processing agents
  • Papermaking aids
  • Paper processing aids

Construction and Industrial Detergents

Overview
Handles a wide range of environmentally considerate industrial detergents for construction sites and factories.
Competitiveness
High-function product lineup considerate of the environment
Customers
  • Construction companies
  • Factories
  • Cleaning contractors
  • Facility management companies
  • Government offices
  • Super general contractors
  • Facility management operators
  • Real estate management companies
  • Office building management
  • Asset management companies
Products
  • Multi-purpose detergents
  • Oil stain cleaners
  • Disinfectants
  • Deodorizers
  • Coating agents
  • Parking lot cleaners
  • Anti-fouling detergents
  • Eco cleaners
  • Cooling equipment cleaners
  • Heavy metal removers

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Raw Material Supply

Overview
Stably supplies high-quality raw materials and intermediates for pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturing.
Competitiveness
High quality control and special specification response capabilities
Customers
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers
  • Cosmetics manufacturers
  • Health food companies
  • Research institutions
  • OEM manufacturers
  • Drugstore chains
  • Beauty salons
  • Specialty sales companies
  • Overseas cosmetic brands
  • University labs
Products
  • Cosmetic raw materials
  • Pharmaceutical intermediates
  • Natural-derived ingredients
  • Organic solvents
  • Emulsifiers
  • Humectants
  • Active agents
  • Fragrances
  • Antioxidants
  • Stabilizers

Environmental Products and Services

Overview
Deploys products and services contributing to reduced environmental impact, contributing to a sustainable society.
Competitiveness
Active introduction of environmental response technologies and diverse product lineup
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Environmental plant operators
  • Recycling companies
  • Environmental consulting companies
  • Industrial waste treatment operators
  • Soil remediation companies
  • Water purification plants
  • Water treatment equipment providers
  • Environmental research institutions
  • Agriculture-related companies
Products
  • Biodegradable detergents
  • Water treatment chemicals
  • Purifiers
  • Deodorizers
  • Soil improvers
  • Environmental analysis reagents
  • Green additives
  • Biomass raw materials
  • Drainage treatment agents
  • Environmental protectants

Food Additives and Quality Control Materials

Overview
Supplies additives and quality control materials supporting safe and secure food manufacturing.
Competitiveness
Quality control systems compliant with industry standards and diverse products
Customers
  • Food processors
  • Food additive trading companies
  • Frozen food manufacturers
  • Beverage manufacturers
  • Food service industry
  • Quality control companies
  • Logistics companies
  • Health food manufacturers
  • Testing institutions
  • Distribution companies
Products
  • Food additives
  • Preservatives
  • Antibacterials
  • Flavorings
  • Colorants
  • Quality maintenance agents
  • Inspection reagents
  • Enzyme preparations
  • Nutrient fortifiers
  • Antiseptics

Agricultural Materials and Control Chemicals

Overview
Supplies various chemicals supporting improved agricultural productivity.
Competitiveness
Safe and functional products tailored to agricultural needs
Customers
  • Agricultural corporations
  • Pesticide manufacturers
  • Printed circuit board manufacturers
  • Agricultural material wholesalers
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Agricultural cooperatives
  • Farm produce processors
  • R&D institutions
  • Planting management contractors
  • Equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Pesticide raw materials
  • Fungicides
  • Fertilizer additives
  • Solvents
  • Control agents
  • Pesticide application materials
  • Plant growth promoters
  • Agricultural surfactants
  • Greenhouse functional agents
  • Soil improvers

Metal Surface Treatment Agents

Overview
Provides diverse treatment agents to enhance durability and functionality of metal surfaces.
Competitiveness
High-function materials for long-term performance maintenance technology
Customers
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
  • Building material manufacturers
  • Precision machinery factories
  • Metal processors
  • Electronic device manufacturers
  • Aircraft parts manufacturers
  • Plating contractors
  • Painting contractors
  • Building material trading companies
  • Industrial machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Rust preventatives
  • Cleaning agents
  • Plating treatment agents
  • Surface modifiers
  • Coating agents
  • Abrasion-resistant additives
  • Metal protectants
  • Polishing agents
  • Degreasers
  • Buffing agents

Cosmetics OEM and Technical Support Services

Overview
Supports enhancement of customer product value through cosmetics OEM manufacturing and technical development.
Competitiveness
Abundant development track record and high-quality manufacturing lines
Customers
  • Cosmetic brands
  • Beauty salon product development companies
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Health food manufacturers
  • Research institutions
  • Sales agents
  • Mail-order companies
  • Retail chains
  • Beauty-related educational institutions
  • Raw material manufacturers
Products
  • OEM products
  • Formulation development
  • Quality control
  • Packaging design
  • Testing and evaluation
  • Sales support
  • Product improvement
  • Technical consulting
  • Market research
  • Regulatory compliance

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Advanced textile surfactant technology
  • Strong sales network for beauty salon products
  • Wide overseas production and sales bases
  • Risk diversification through diversified business
  • Certified as superior health management corporation
  • Stable major shareholder composition
  • High-quality product delivery capability
  • Long-term customer relationship building
  • Active investment in technological innovation
  • High capability in environmental regulation compliance
  • Superiority in niche markets
  • Diverse product lineup
  • Possession of specialized research facilities
  • Solid financial foundation
  • Broad domestic and international customer base

Competitive Advantages

  • Differentiation through proprietary textile processing surfactant manufacturing technology
  • Market dominance specialized in professional hair care products for beauty salons
  • Rapid supply via global manufacturing bases and logistics network
  • Competitive edge through early introduction of environmentally responsive products
  • Market risk reduction through product deployment across diverse industries
  • Product innovation capabilities utilizing technology labs
  • Strong sales foundation in Asian markets
  • Stable management supported by major shareholders
  • Contribution to talent acquisition through emphasis on health management
  • Deep involvement and support in local industries
  • Synergy creation through collaboration with group companies
  • Consistent strong financial metrics and profitable operations
  • Overseas market expansion via multilingual sales organization
  • Improved customer satisfaction through product customization
  • High safety assurance via quality control systems

Threats

  • Raw material price fluctuation risks
  • Political and economic instability in overseas markets
  • Strengthening of stringent environmental regulations
  • Intensifying competition with domestic and international rivals
  • Profit pressure from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Potential difficulty keeping pace with speed of technological innovation
  • Global supply chain risks
  • Increase in new entrants
  • Sales price declines due to supply-demand imbalances
  • Challenges in talent acquisition due to labor shortages
  • Delays in responding to rapid changes in customer needs
  • Damage to production bases from natural disasters, etc.

Innovations

2024: Development of Environmentally Considerate Textile Processing Agents

Overview
Developed new biodegradable surfactant products, significantly reducing environmental impact.
Impact
Improved market competitiveness and strengthened environmental regulation compliance

2023: Expansion of Professional Cosmetics New Lineup

Overview
Introduced low-irritation, high-function hair care product series for beauty salons.
Impact
Contributed to sales growth and improved customer satisfaction

2022: Development of High-Purity Cleaning Agents for Semiconductors

Overview
Launched new product significantly improving impurity removal efficiency in semiconductor processes.
Impact
Contributed to improved manufacturing process quality

2021: Promotion of Digital Transformation

Overview
Introduced IoT technology for production process automation and quality control.
Impact
Achieved cost reductions and shortened delivery times

2020: Establishment of New Overseas Manufacturing Base

Overview
Opened logistics base in Southeast Asia to strengthen local market response.
Impact
Succeeded in sales channel expansion and cost optimization

Sustainability

  • Certified as superior health management corporation
  • Development and promotion of biodegradable surfactants
  • Introduction of energy-saving production equipment
  • Efforts to improve waste recycling rate
  • Cooperation with local communities in environmental conservation activities
  • Strict chemical substance management and safety assurance
  • Employee training programs for awareness enhancement
  • Building sustainable supply chains
  • Reduction and reuse promotion of water usage
  • Improved transparency of product safety information
  • Adoption of low-environmental-impact packaging materials
  • CO2 emission reduction plan for climate change measures