Nozawa

Basic Information

Stock Code
5237
Industry
Glass and Mineral Products
Category Detail
Construction Materials & Equipment
Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture
Establishment Year
September 1913
Listing Year
May 1949
Official Website
https://www.nozawa-kobe.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Nippon Hume, Asucon, Nippon Concrete Industries, Toyo Asano, Mitani Sekisan, Nippon Kogyo, Yamau Holdings, Yamax, Asia Pile Holdings, Berutex Corporation, A & A M, Parker

Overview

Nozawa is a building materials manufacturer founded in 1913, with extruded cement board 'Asrock' as its mainstay product, and has established a solid position in the construction materials industry.

Current Situation

Nozawa recorded consolidated sales of approximately 21 billion yen and net profit of approximately 500 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 2023. Focusing on its mainstay product Asrock, it concentrates on manufacturing and selling cement-based building materials and boasts a stable share in the domestic market. Headquartered in Hyogo Prefecture with multiple factories, it also advances product quality improvements and new material development at its technical research institute. Amid fierce competition with rivals, it differentiates through quality and reliability. In response to environmental regulations, it focuses on suppressing asbestos use and enforces strict internal safety standards. In recent years, it has optimized extrusion molding technology and is developing resource-efficient, highly durable products. In the medium to long term, it aims for sustainable growth through digitalization of building materials and a shift to eco-products. Management emphasizes contributions to a sustainable society and is strengthening corporate governance. Its finances are solid, supported by stable earnings, enabling expansion of its growth foundation.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • One of Japan's long-established companies in the cement building materials industry.
  • Started as a dye import business at founding.
  • 'Asrock' brand has high recognition domestically and internationally.
  • Former head office 'Kyu-Kyoryuchi 15th Building' designated as Important Cultural Property.
  • Historically engaged in asbestos mining.
  • Early adopter of technology for quality control in manufacturing processes.
  • Addressing both rigid and flexible aspects amid diversification of building materials.
  • Maintained close ties with local community for many years.
  • Over 100 years of history since founding.
  • Engaged in export business for overseas markets.
  • One of the few domestic companies specialized in cement board manufacturing.
  • Product lineup includes diverse custom products.
  • Successive presidents from founding family contributing to management stability.
  • Leading the industry in extrusion molding technology for building materials.
  • Early focus on asbestos alternatives in response to environmental issues.

Hidden Connections

  • Contributed to preservation of historic buildings in the former foreign settlement, influencing regional culture.
  • Has history of resource development in asbestos-related business since prewar era.
  • Maintains strong relationships through long-term transactions with major general contractors.
  • Plays a leadership role in local construction industry associations.
  • Pioneer in developing materials for sustainable architecture within the industry.
  • Conducts joint research with local governments and academic institutions at in-house laboratory.
  • Contributes to regional development through material supply for local infrastructure.
  • Major banks and insurance companies among shareholders, providing financial stability.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Growing demand for building durability and safety
  • Increased demand for alternative materials due to strengthened environmental regulations
  • Expanding requirements for energy-saving and insulation performance
  • Maturing domestic renovation and repair market
  • Expansion opportunities in eco-architecture market
  • Productivity improvements through digital technology introduction
  • Rising quality orientation in overseas markets
  • Strengthening of building materials supply chains
  • Product differentiation through regulatory compliance
  • Increased demand from heightened safety awareness in construction industry
  • Acceleration of responses to sustainable society
  • Trust building through strengthened regional community ties

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 30% domestic share in extruded cement boards
  • Over 50% sales ratio of environmentally compatible products
  • 30% reduction in CO2 emissions from manufacturing processes
  • 20% improvement in production efficiency through digitalization
  • Grow overseas sales to approximately twice current level
  • Sustainable business development through co-creation with regional society
  • Achieve highest level safety management standards
  • Maintain customer satisfaction at 90% or higher
  • Annual 5% increase in R&D investment
  • Organizational strengthening through talent development and diversity promotion

Business Segments

Building Materials Supply

Overview
Provides high-quality cement building materials to the construction industry, offering a range of products that balance constructability and durability.
Competitiveness
Reliability from long track record and product development capabilities
Customers
  • General contractors
  • Local construction companies
  • Architectural design offices
  • Renovation contractors
  • Real estate developers
  • Government agencies
Products
  • Extruded cement boards
  • Building panels
  • Fireproof and soundproof materials
  • Insulation materials

Maintenance and Renovation Materials

Overview
Offers materials for renovating old buildings and repair products, supporting extended building lifespans.
Competitiveness
Extensive lineup and construction support
Customers
  • Renovation companies
  • Building maintenance firms
  • Apartment management associations
  • Building maintenance companies
Products
  • Renewal panels
  • Waterproof materials
  • Repair cement boards

R&D and Technical Proposals

Overview
Conducts advanced technology development and custom proposals tailored to customer needs.
Competitiveness
Advanced support system via technical research institute
Customers
  • Housing manufacturers
  • Building materials manufacturers
  • Academic institutions
  • Technical research institutes
Products
  • New material cement boards
  • Eco-friendly products
  • Fire and weather resistance testing services

Export Business

Overview
Exports Japanese-quality building materials overseas, mainly expanding in Asia.
Competitiveness
High quality standards and support systems
Customers
  • Overseas construction companies
  • Import distributors
  • International design offices
Products
  • Extruded cement boards
  • Architectural exterior materials

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • High-quality extruded cement board technology
  • Long track record and trust in the industry
  • Product development capabilities via technical research institute
  • Stable supply system with multiple domestic bases
  • Thorough quality control and safety standard compliance
  • Product lineup accommodating diverse customer needs
  • 'Asrock' brand recognition
  • Focus on sustainable product development
  • Stable financial base
  • Broad customer base including government agencies
  • Fireproof and insulation performance of products
  • High long-life and weather-resistant building materials manufacturing
  • Flexible customization対応
  • Preservation and succession of artisan techniques
  • Thorough compliance with laws and regulations

Competitive Advantages

  • Leading position and brand power in the extruded cement board market
  • High product durability from proprietary manufacturing technology
  • New product creation through robust R&D system
  • Maintenance of extensive sales channels and customer base
  • Strict quality control and adherence to safety standards
  • Diverse product lineup for broad customer対応
  • Establishment of competitive edge through eco-friendly product development
  • Solid regional contributions centered on Hyogo Prefecture
  • Stable production capacity via multiple factories
  • Swift adaptation to legal regulations
  • Training of specialized technicians and strengthened partnerships
  • High repeat business rate based on long-term customer trust
  • Introduction of advanced production processes
  • Leading role in the sustainable building materials market
  • Product design accommodating diverse applications

Threats

  • Economic fluctuation risks in the construction industry
  • Competition from technological innovations in new or substitute materials
  • Raw material restrictions due to strengthened environmental regulations
  • Impact of asbestos-related lawsuits and safety issues
  • Rising raw material prices and procurement instability
  • Demand contraction due to domestic population decline
  • Intensified price competition with overseas manufacturers
  • Adaptation difficulties with diversifying construction techniques
  • Facility operation risks from natural disasters
  • Pressure for material transition due to recent environmental issues
  • Burden of responding to amendments in building standards law etc.
  • Declining productivity from labor shortages

Innovations

2024: Eco-Panel Development with Environmental Considerations

Overview
Successfully developed sustainable extruded cement board using recycled materials.
Impact
Contributes to reduced environmental impact and market expansion

2023: Expansion of High Fire-Resistance Asrock Series

Overview
Launched next-generation cement board series with enhanced fire resistance.
Impact
Improved compliance with safety standards and increased sales

2022: Energy-Saving Optimization of Extrusion Molding Technology

Overview
Achieved energy efficiency improvements in manufacturing processes, realizing cost reductions.
Impact
10% reduction in production costs

2021: Launch of High-Performance Insulation Panels

Overview
Developed cement board products with enhanced insulation for energy-saving architecture.
Impact
Strengthened competitiveness in energy-saving architecture market

2020: Introduction of Digital Quality Management System

Overview
Introduced IoT-based quality management system in production lines, improving manufacturing precision.
Impact
15% reduction in defect rate

Sustainability

  • Suppression of asbestos use and strengthened safety management
  • Promotion of recycled material utilization
  • Introduction of energy-saving production processes
  • Development of low environmental impact building materials
  • Participation in regional environmental conservation activities
  • Establishment of internal environmental management system
  • Production efficiency improvements for waste reduction
  • Building sustainable procurement and supply chains
  • Thorough safety and health education
  • Proposals for environmentally friendly products to customers