Achilles

Basic Information

Stock Code
5142
Industry
Chemicals
Category Detail
Auto Parts
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
May 1947
Listing Year
October 1961
Official Website
https://www.achilles.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
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Overview

Achilles is a materials manufacturer established in 1947, offering a wide range of products from chemical materials to shoes and building materials, and has built a solid position in the industry through diversified product development based on its proprietary technologies.

Current Situation

Achilles excels in the development of rubber and plastic products, achieving consolidated sales of 81.5 billion yen in the fiscal year ending March 2013. Its mainstay shoe products, particularly the Shun Soku brand, are performing strongly, and the Workmaster work boots are highly regarded in the market. The company is expanding into diverse fields such as automotive parts and agricultural covering materials, while establishing a stable production system with multiple manufacturing sites. It focuses on developing environmentally friendly products and utilizing sustainable materials, and enhances brand recognition through sponsorships of TV programs. Amid intensifying competition, it is addressing labor-related issues while pursuing strategies for market expansion both domestically and internationally. Moving forward, it anticipates growth centered on materials technology through product innovation and new market development.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • The company name derives from the Greek mythological hero Achilles.
  • Shunsoku is a Japanese children's shoe brand that sold over 5 million pairs annually in 2009.
  • Workmaster boots won the Good Design Award in 1986.
  • Produces official footwear for many tokusatsu and anime series.
  • Head office is located in Shinjuku Front Tower, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.
  • Related companies span from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
  • Manufacturing plants are dispersed nationwide, including Bibai, Ashikaga, Shiga, and Kyushu.
  • Previously involved in TV program sponsorships and game titles.
  • Major shareholders include Mizuho Bank and Asahi Life Insurance.
  • Established in 1947, but roots trace back to a textile company founded in 1907.

Hidden Connections

  • Numerous regionally specialized subsidiaries such as Hokkaido Achilles Airon.
  • Long history of sponsor programs with deep ties to tokusatsu and popular anime.
  • Agricultural materials Nonkirī and Haibēru are co-developed with agricultural corporations.
  • Shoe brand Shunsoku has diversified into stationery and game software.
  • Major shareholder financial institutions have strong ties as part of the Fuyo Group.
  • There have been lawsuits advocating for improved status of dispatched employees regarding labor issues.
  • Expanding multi-purpose and multi-industry applications of plastic and rubber materials.
  • Featured on TV program 'Cambria Palace' for its response during the COVID crisis.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for sports shoes domestically and internationally
  • Expansion of shift to environmentally friendly materials
  • Growing needs for high-function agricultural materials
  • Advancement of high-function resin products for automobiles
  • Strengthening acquisition of younger demographics through digital marketing
  • Expansion of overseas sales channels for diversified businesses
  • Enhancement of brand value and product lineup expansion
  • Acceleration of introduction of biodegradable materials and energy-saving technologies
  • Promotion of new technology development through industry-academia collaboration
  • Increased demand accompanying post-COVID market recovery

Strategic Goals

  • Over 50% sales ratio of low-environmental-impact products
  • Expansion of share in global markets
  • Achieve 30% sales ratio from digital channels
  • Improve profitability through 10% reduction in manufacturing costs
  • Promote new product development using diverse material technologies
  • Establish labor environment improvements and talent development systems
  • Achieve top domestic share in agricultural materials business
  • Improve certification rates for domestic and international product safety standards
  • Advanced digitalization and automation of production sites
  • Maximize brand recognition and customer satisfaction

Business Segments

Automotive Parts Manufacturing

Overview
Provides a wide variety of resin and rubber parts for automotive interiors and exteriors on an integrated basis.
Competitiveness
High-durability materials technology and long-term transaction base with automakers
Customers
  • Automakers
  • Automotive parts suppliers
  • Secondary parts wholesalers
  • Industrial machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Seat parts
  • Interior and exterior resin products
  • Anti-vibration rubber parts
  • Airbag-related parts

Construction Materials and Equipment

Overview
Supplies highly durable building materials utilizing advanced resin materials.
Competitiveness
Continuous product improvements by engineers and diverse product lineup
Customers
  • Construction companies
  • Remodeling contractors
  • Housing manufacturers
  • Building materials wholesalers
Products
  • Waterproof resin sheets
  • Insulation and soundproofing materials
  • Synthetic leather building materials

Agricultural Materials

Overview
Offers various covering materials that contribute to improving productivity in agriculture.
Competitiveness
Superior weather-resistant material development capabilities and large-scale production capacity
Customers
  • Agricultural cooperatives
  • Agricultural corporations
  • Horticultural businesses
  • Farm machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Agricultural vinyl films
  • Insect-proof and insulation materials
  • Civil engineering resin products

Shoes and Footwear OEM Business

Overview
OEM services handling design and manufacturing for various brands.
Competitiveness
High-performance manufacturing technology that supports brand value
Customers
  • Shoe retailers
  • Sports brands
  • School-related
  • Stationery manufacturers
Products
  • Sports shoes
  • Safety shoes
  • Stationery-related products

Industrial Materials Supply

Overview
Meets needs with a wide range of high-function materials for industrial use.
Competitiveness
Superior quality control and stable supply system
Customers
  • Industrial materials trading companies
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Maintenance and repair companies
Products
  • Industrial synthetic rubber
  • Resin film sheets
  • Anti-vibration mats

Insurance Agency Business

Overview
Provides peace of mind to customers through agency sales of insurance products.
Competitiveness
Extensive network based on group companies
Customers
  • Corporate customers
  • General customers
Products
  • Property and casualty insurance
  • Life insurance

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Diversified product business expansion
  • High-quality materials based on proprietary technologies
  • Reliable domestic manufacturing site network
  • Strong shoe business led by the highly branded Shunsoku
  • Abundant OEM/ODM business track record
  • Promotion of sustainable material development
  • Regionally rooted sales channels
  • Customer base from long-term transactions
  • Stable financial foundation
  • Strong manufacturing technology capabilities

Competitive Advantages

  • Risk diversification through product lineup spanning diverse industries
  • High R&D capabilities for high-function materials
  • Strong brand recognition (Shunsoku, Workmaster)
  • Production efficiency and quality control standards at major domestic factories
  • Expanded product range through corporate acquisitions and collaborations
  • Rapid market response based on long years of industry experience and know-how
  • Strong collaboration system with customers across wide areas
  • Initiatives for labor safety and social responsibility
  • Increased brand exposure through TV commercials and sponsorship activities
  • Vertically integrated system from materials to products

Threats

  • Risk of fluctuations in raw material prices
  • Intensifying competition due to maturation of domestic market
  • Price competition pressure from overseas manufacturers
  • Image damage from labor issues
  • Cost increases due to stricter environmental regulations
  • Rapid changes in consumer preferences
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations
  • Technological innovations by new entrants
  • Demand fluctuations such as from COVID-19
  • Risk of product development not matching market needs

Innovations

2020: Development of Environmentally Friendly Agricultural Films

Overview
Developed biodegradable material-based agricultural films that reduce environmental impact.
Impact
Contributes to reduced waste disposal costs and environmental conservation

2021: Expansion of Shunsoku Brand and Strengthening of Digital Marketing

Overview
Developed new models and utilized SNS to increase recognition along with junior market expansion.
Impact
Increased sales and strengthened brand engagement

2022: Development of New Manufacturing Method for High-Function Synthetic Rubber

Overview
Established a manufacturing method that significantly improves heat resistance and durability.
Impact
Enhanced competitiveness in automotive and industrial equipment applications

2023: Strengthening of TV Program Sponsorships

Overview
Implemented strategy to expand product recognition through anime programs like ONE PIECE.
Impact
Promotes brand penetration among younger generations

Sustainability

  • Active adoption of biodegradable materials
  • Implementation of CO2 emission reduction plans in manufacturing processes
  • Promotion of efficient water resource utilization
  • Strengthening systems for improving working environments
  • Environmental conservation activities in collaboration with local communities