Mec

Basic Information

Stock Code
4971
Industry
Chemicals
Category Detail
Chemicals & Chemical Products
Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture
Establishment Year
May 1969
Listing Year
January 2001
Official Website
https://www.mec-co.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Oro, Rasa Industries, Taki Chemical, Nippon Chemical Industrial, Nippon Parkerizing, Stella Chemifa, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Ishihara Chemical, Uemura Kogyo, Japan High Purity Chemicals, JCU, Tatsumo, PILLAR

Overview

Mec is a chemical manufacturer established in 1969 and based in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. It specializes in manufacturing chemicals for electronic circuit boards and boasts advanced research and development capabilities.

Current Situation

Mec achieved standalone sales of approximately ¥7.2 billion and consolidated sales of approximately ¥10.8 billion in the fiscal year ending December 2019. Its flagship product, copper surface treatment agents for electronic circuit boards, holds a high market share in the industry and serves as a source of competitiveness. The company continuously invests in research and development, focusing on new materials and high-performance chemicals. Headquartered in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, it maintains stable financial foundations through prudent management. From a sustainability perspective, it actively works to reduce environmental impact by introducing resource-saving and emission-reduction technologies. In the future, it aims to strengthen digitalization and ESG initiatives while advancing medium- to long-term growth strategies. Although the competitive environment with domestic and international rivals is intense, it differentiates its products through expertise and technological prowess. Recent internal personnel changes include management renewal to improve operational efficiency and market responsiveness. Flexible adaptation to market fluctuations also supports the company's stable growth.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Company name derives from the initials of Mechanics (Electronics), Electricity (Electronics), and Chemicals.
  • Listed on the Osaka Securities Exchange Nasdaq Japan in 2001.
  • Headquartered in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, contributing to the local economy.
  • Highly regarded in the industry for focusing on R&D of chemicals for printed circuit boards.
  • Japan Trustee Services Bank holds over 18% as a major shareholder.
  • Copper surface treatment agents for printed circuit boards are the flagship product.
  • Offers a diverse range of products in the chemicals and industrial chemicals sector.
  • Maintains stable management over many years.
  • Classified under Chemicals and Chemical Products in Nikkei industry categories.
  • As of 2019, standalone employee count is 231, a compact organization.
  • Holds multiple international patents for printed circuit board chemicals.
  • Maintains strong business relationships with many chemical and manufacturing companies.
  • Builds trust through high-quality management and customer responsiveness.
  • Known as one of the major chemical companies in the Kansai region.
  • Actively invests in R&D to advance technological innovation.

Hidden Connections

  • Collaborates with peers like Tatsumo and Oro on product development.
  • Supported by many trust banks as major shareholders for long-term stability.
  • Engages in personnel exchanges with nearby chemical manufacturers in addition to Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture.
  • Holds numerous patented technologies as hidden strengths in chemical and industrial chemicals.
  • Deep relationships with major domestic institutional investors due to listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section.
  • Conducts numerous contract manufacturing and joint research projects for companies.
  • Engages in technical exchanges and collaborations through industry associations with competitors.
  • Frequent personnel articles in Nikkei News indicate high transparency in management.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of demand for high-function electronic materials
  • Increased demand for low-pollution products due to stricter environmental regulations
  • Acceleration of digitalization and automation technology adoption
  • Market expansion in Asia
  • New product launches through strengthened R&D capabilities
  • Improved responsiveness to diversifying customer needs
  • Promotion of sustainable chemical development
  • Building global supply chains
  • Strengthening online sales channels
  • Cost reductions through production efficiency improvements
  • Establishing market trust through regulatory compliance
  • Talent development and organizational strengthening

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve top industry market share in printed circuit board chemicals
  • Achieve 30% reduction in environmental impact across all product lines
  • Expand to consolidated sales of over ¥15 billion
  • Continuously launch 2 or more new materials/technologies annually
  • Revolutionize production processes through digitalization
  • Achieve over 80% ratio of products with international standard certifications
  • Strengthen CSR through coexistence with local communities
  • Expand overseas sales ratio to over 20%
  • Introduce and establish sustainable procurement standards
  • Enhance organizational strength through workforce diversification and work-style reforms

Business Segments

Chemicals for Electronic Component Manufacturing

Overview
Supplies advanced chemical agents necessary for electronic component manufacturing processes.
Competitiveness
Provision of high-function chemicals through advanced technological and development capabilities
Customers
  • Printed Circuit Board Manufacturers
  • Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment Makers
  • Electronic Device Manufacturers
Products
  • Copper Surface Treatment Agent
  • Circuit Board Cleaner
  • Etching Agent
  • Photosensitive Agent

Chemicals for Chemical Industry

Overview
Stable supply of functional chemicals for diverse industrial sectors.
Competitiveness
Long-cultivated manufacturing technology and quality control systems
Customers
  • Plating Companies
  • Metal Processing Plants
  • Paint Manufacturers
  • Water Treatment Operators
Products
  • Rust Preventives
  • Plating Chemicals
  • Cleaners
  • Water Treatment Chemicals

Chemicals for Environmental Businesses

Overview
Provides chemicals aimed at environmental conservation and water quality improvement.
Competitiveness
Product development capabilities compliant with environmental regulations
Customers
  • Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facilities
  • Public Environmental Agencies
  • Environmental Consultants
Products
  • Water Quality Adjusters
  • Wastewater Treatment Agents
  • Environmental Protection Additives

Petrochemical-Related Chemical Supply

Overview
Supplies a variety of additives and chemicals for petrochemical products.
Competitiveness
Stable quality and multi-product対応 capability
Customers
  • Resin Manufacturers
  • Paint Manufacturers
  • Cosmetic Raw Material Manufacturers
Products
  • Resin Additives
  • Solvents
  • Surfactants

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • High technological development and research capabilities
  • High market share in chemicals for printed circuit boards
  • Solid financial base and stable management
  • Diverse product portfolio
  • Geographical advantage with base in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture
  • Accumulated industry experience and know-how over many years
  • Reliable quality management system
  • Customer-oriented service system
  • Proactive response to environmental regulations
  • Promotion of sustainable product development
  • Stable capital size
  • Active research and development investments
  • Rich lineup of high-function chemicals
  • Strong transaction record with domestic electronics manufacturers
  • Rapid market responsiveness

Competitive Advantages

  • Expertise and high functionality in copper surface treatment agents for printed circuit boards
  • System for providing high-quality products and technical services
  • Differentiated product development through proprietary technologies
  • Broad market coverage and diverse customer base
  • Competitive edge from introducing low-environmental-impact technologies
  • Possesses state-of-the-art research facilities and specialized personnel
  • Long-term customer relationships and trust building
  • Development team that quickly responds to industry trends
  • High product safety through quality assurance
  • Experience in complying with domestic and international regulations and obtaining certifications
  • Product development capabilities adaptable to diverse applications
  • Efficient production management and cost competitiveness
  • Market entry barriers created by patented technologies
  • Stable supply system and risk management capabilities
  • High brand recognition within the industry

Threats

  • Intensifying competition in domestic and international chemical markets
  • Cost pressures from fluctuations in raw material prices
  • Increased costs for responding to stricter environmental regulations
  • Risk of market share decline due to new entrants
  • Decline in competitiveness from delays in technological innovation
  • Demand uncertainty due to economic fluctuations
  • Impact from changes in client financial conditions
  • Supply chain instability from geopolitical risks
  • Regulatory risks associated with overseas market expansion
  • Decline in development capabilities due to talent acquisition difficulties
  • Cost fluctuations in exports and imports from exchange rate changes
  • Risk of damage to production sites from natural disasters

Innovations

2024: Development of New Copper Surface Treatment Agent

Overview
Developed a high-function copper surface treatment agent that significantly reduces environmental impact.
Impact
Achieved 30% reduction in wastewater compared to conventional products

2023: Optimization of Manufacturing Processes Using AI

Overview
Introduced AI for manufacturing data analysis to improve process efficiency.
Impact
10% reduction in manufacturing costs and stabilized quality

2022: Strengthened Research on Biodegradable Materials

Overview
Advanced research and development of environmentally friendly biodegradable materials.
Impact
Established foundation for future new product development

2021: Introduction of Automated Equipment in New Factory

Overview
Introduced the latest automation equipment in the manufacturing factory to boost productivity.
Impact
20% increase in production capacity and improved safety

2020: Launch of Environmentally Friendly Cleaner

Overview
Commercialized a new low-VOC cleaner with superior safety.
Impact
Expanded adoption among domestic electronic component manufacturers

Sustainability

  • Wastewater reduction and recycling promotion in manufacturing processes
  • Active introduction of energy-saving equipment
  • Promotion of procurement of low-environmental-impact raw materials
  • Thorough compliance with environmental laws and employee education
  • Continuous participation in local environmental conservation activities
  • Promotion of information disclosure through CSR reports
  • Strengthening environmental considerations across the supply chain
  • Establishment and operation of green procurement standards