Noritake

Basic Information

Stock Code
5331
Industry
Glass and Clay Products
Category Detail
Ceramics, Clay & Stone Products
Prefecture
Aichi Prefecture
Establishment Year
January 1904
Listing Year
May 1949
Official Website
https://www.noritake.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Gaishi, Tokushu To, MARUWA, Rutsubo, TYK, Nikkato

Overview

Noritake is one of the world's largest premium tableware and ceramics manufacturers founded in 1904, and a leading company with advanced technologies in industrial materials and environmental engineering fields.

Current Situation

Noritake recorded consolidated sales of approximately 117.9 billion yen and net profit of approximately 13.4 billion yen (fiscal year ended March 2018), establishing a solid market position domestically and internationally. Its core businesses of industrial equipment, ceramic materials, and environmental engineering account for over 75% of total sales, with a focus on developing high-performance grinding wheels and fine ceramics materials. The tableware business has shrunk to 15% of the total while preserving its traditional brand value, but its brand strength remains strong. The company is proactive in adopting the latest technologies and developing environmentally considerate products, and it also manufactures industrial machinery including firing kilns. In 2024, it changed its trade name and is advancing new business strategies on the occasion of its 120th anniversary. It is strengthening collaboration as part of the Morimura Group and expanding synergies with related companies. In the future, it aims to contribute to a sustainable society by centering on the advancement of material technologies and growth in environmental businesses.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Noritake is one of the world's largest premium porcelain manufacturers.
  • Company name derived from 'Noritake,' the name of the founding location.
  • Old Noritake products hold high value among collectors.
  • Exported under the 'Rose China' brand for a period after the war.
  • One of the first companies in Japan to introduce IBM products.
  • Holds top share in Japan for grinding wheels and abrasives.
  • Early entry into environmental engineering business.
  • Noritake no Mori serves as a corporate cultural facility and tourist spot.
  • Conducts diversified operations as a core Morimura Group company.
  • Contributes to advanced electronics industry with high-functional ceramics materials.
  • Firing kiln manufacturing technology is a key pillar of business.
  • Many past representatives are prominent figures in Nagoya's political and financial circles.
  • Contributes to local economy with headquarters and factory in Nishi Ward, Nagoya.
  • Receives high evaluations domestically and internationally for product quality.
  • Advancing fusion of ceramics and environmental technology.

Hidden Connections

  • Forms strong synergies with related Morimura Group companies such as Morimura Trading, TOTO, and Nihon Tokushu Togyo.
  • High regional attachment as former planned site for Nagoya Dome construction.
  • Demonstrates pioneering IT utilization as one of Japan's early IBM product introducers.
  • Numerous imitation products of traditional Western tableware brand circulating in Europe and America, underscoring high brand value.
  • Investments in environmental technologies are part of sustainability strategy.
  • Collaborates with equity-method affiliates such as Okura Tohoen to complement tableware business.
  • Local corporate museum 'Noritake no Mori' is an important hub for industrial cultural tourism.
  • Post-war trade name change aimed at refreshing brand image and diversification.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for advanced fine ceramics
  • Market expansion for environmentally friendly products and technologies
  • Sophistication of demand for advanced grinding materials domestically and internationally
  • Manufacturing technology innovations compatible with digitalization and automation
  • Strengthened fusion of industrial machinery and environmental engineering
  • Focus on sustainable business and policy support
  • Maximization of Morimura Group synergies
  • Renewal of traditional brand and overseas expansion
  • Increasing demand for high-functional materials in electronic components
  • Flexible response to diversifying customer needs
  • Rise in environmental awareness through eco products
  • Expansion of digital communication utilization

Strategic Goals

  • Aim to achieve sales over 200 billion yen
  • Convert 75% or more of products to environmentally friendly types
  • Expand and strengthen R&D bases domestically and internationally
  • Raise recycling rate to over 50%
  • Establish competitive superiority in global markets
  • Promote digitalization to improve manufacturing efficiency by 30%
  • Strengthen development of new applications for high-functional ceramics
  • Complete construction of sustainable supply chain
  • Deepen symbiotic activities with local communities
  • Diversify revenue through new businesses and investments

Business Segments

Industrial Equipment and Grinding Materials

Overview
Promotes efficiency at industrial processing sites through manufacturing and sales of high-performance grinding wheels and abrasives.
Competitiveness
Provision of high-quality grinding materials tailored to diverse industrial applications
Customers
  • Automotive manufacturers
  • Electronic device manufacturers
  • Precision machine processors
  • Metal processing companies
  • Abrasive wholesalers
  • Tool manufacturers
  • Construction machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Grinding wheels
  • Abrasive cloth and paper
  • Diamond grinding wheels
  • CBN abrasives
  • Grinding machines
  • Grinding tools

Ceramic Materials Manufacturing

Overview
Provides materials for electronic devices and machine parts using cutting-edge ceramics technology.
Competitiveness
Advanced ceramics development capabilities and application technologies for multiple fields
Customers
  • Electronic component manufacturers
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
  • Printed circuit board manufacturers
  • Machine part manufacturers
  • High-functional material manufacturers
Products
  • Electronic paste
  • Fine ceramics materials
  • High heat-resistant ceramics
  • Printed circuit board materials
  • Insulating materials

Environment and Engineering Business

Overview
Provides engineering products that reduce environmental impact and achieve energy savings.
Competitiveness
Fusion of environmental technology and firing kiln manufacturing know-how
Customers
  • Electronic display manufacturers
  • Battery manufacturers
  • Industrial machinery manufacturers
  • Environmental technology companies
  • Recycling companies
Products
  • Firing kilns
  • LCD manufacturing equipment
  • Biochar manufacturing equipment
  • Recycling systems
  • Environmentally friendly equipment

Dental Materials Business

Overview
Develops and provides high-functional dental materials to support medical sites.
Competitiveness
High-performance dental materials through technical collaboration with Kuraray
Customers
  • Dental clinics
  • Dental laboratories
  • Medical equipment manufacturers
  • Dental material wholesalers
Products
  • High-durability ceramics
  • Dental electronic materials
  • Adhesives
  • Restorative materials

Precision Machinery and Tools Sales

Overview
Supports industrial sites through sales of high-quality precision tools and construction machinery.
Competitiveness
Reliability of Noritake brand and technical support
Customers
  • Construction companies
  • Civil engineering companies
  • Industrial tool dealers
  • Electronic component assemblers
Products
  • Cemented carbide tools
  • Construction machinery
  • Diamond tools

Tableware Business

Overview
Provides tableware combining tradition and luxury, maintaining long-standing brand value.
Competitiveness
Historic brand power and craft techniques
Customers
  • Department stores
  • High-end restaurants
  • Gift shops
  • Household goods retailers
Products
  • Western tableware
  • Premium porcelain sets
  • Traditional craft porcelain

Industrial Grinding Machinery

Overview
Contributes to manufacturing factory efficiency through development and manufacturing of industrial grinding machinery.
Competitiveness
Combination of high-precision processing technology and labor-saving machinery
Customers
  • Machine processing companies
  • Tool manufacturers
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
  • Electronic component assembly manufacturers
Products
  • Grinding machines
  • Automatic polishing equipment
  • Abrasive cloth and paper manufacturing machines

High-Functional Materials Business

Overview
Manufactures and provides high-functionality materials to meet special industrial fields.
Competitiveness
Custom-made technology for multifunctional materials
Customers
  • Electronic device manufacturers
  • Precision machinery manufacturers
  • Chemical industry
  • Aircraft material manufacturers
Products
  • High-performance fine ceramics
  • Insulating materials
  • Chemical-resistant materials

Industrial Waste Treatment and Recycling

Overview
Conducts recycling of industrial waste such as grinding wheels and provides environmental equipment.
Competitiveness
Reuse technology for used resources and environmental response capabilities
Customers
  • Various manufacturing companies
  • Environmental companies
  • Recycling companies
Products
  • Grinding wheel recycling service
  • Industrial waste treatment equipment

Electronic Device Materials Development

Overview
Strengthens research and development of materials for advanced electronic devices to maintain technological competitiveness.
Competitiveness
Advanced material development capabilities and mass production technology
Customers
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
  • Electronic device manufacturers
  • New material research institutions
Products
  • High-purity ceramic powder
  • Electronic circuit materials
  • Functional paste

Special Industrial Ceramics Manufacturing

Overview
Manufactures high-functional industrial ceramics for special applications.
Competitiveness
Special material development superior in high durability and multifunctionality
Customers
  • Aerospace industry
  • Automotive industry
  • Electronics industry
  • Machine tool manufacturers
Products
  • Wear-resistant ceramics
  • High heat-resistant materials
  • Insulator products

High Value-Added Ceramics Products

Overview
Provides high value-added products specialized for medical and cultural uses for differentiation.
Competitiveness
Material technology aimed at medical applications and fusion with traditional crafts
Customers
  • Medical equipment manufacturers
  • Precision electronics manufacturers
  • Cultural property restoration companies
Products
  • Medical ceramics
  • Precision electronic parts
  • Traditional craft porcelain

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • One of the world's largest premium porcelain brands
  • Diversified ceramics technologies
  • Strong collaboration within the Morimura Group
  • Advanced grinding and polishing technologies
  • Environmental engineering technologies
  • Long history and high technology inheritance
  • 対応 to diverse industrial fields
  • Advanced manufacturing facilities and know-how
  • Solid financial base
  • Diverse product portfolio
  • Global network deployment
  • Strong brand loyalty
  • Continuous technological refinement
  • Development of environmentally friendly products
  • High-reliability customer base

Competitive Advantages

  • Top share in premium porcelain markets domestically and internationally
  • Strength in precision grinding/polishing materials and machinery
  • Multi-field deployment via advanced ceramics technology
  • Integrated development capabilities for environmental technology and firing kilns
  • Diverse industrial network of the Morimura Group
  • Long-term corporate credit and stable funding capabilities
  • Product reliability through high-quality management system
  • Unique grinding material recycling technology
  • Proactive efforts to reduce environmental impact
  • International recognition of proprietary brand
  • Approach to broad customer segments
  • Highly specialized R&D organization
  • Product development adapting to customer needs
  • Sustainable business operations
  • Lifecycle management capabilities for products

Threats

  • Cost increases due to raw material price fluctuations
  • Technological innovations by domestic and international competitors
  • Decline in profit margins due to exchange rate fluctuations
  • Cost increases from strengthened environmental regulations
  • Demand fluctuations due to global economic uncertainty
  • Intensifying competition in overseas markets such as China
  • Risk of technology leakage and rise of imitation products
  • Technology inheritance issues due to labor shortages
  • Increasing demands for environmentally friendly products
  • Need to address aging manufacturing equipment
  • Burden of keeping up with rapid technological advances
  • Development burden from diversifying customer needs

Innovations

2024: Investment in biochar manufacturing startup

Overview
Invested in an emerging company related to biochar manufacturing as an environmental load reduction technology to promote a sustainable society.
Impact
Strengthening future environmental-related business and acquiring new revenue sources

2023: Development of energy-saving high-efficiency firing kiln

Overview
Developed a new firing kiln with significantly improved energy-saving performance, contributing to environmental load reduction.
Impact
Customer operational cost reduction and 50% CO2 emissions reduction achieved

2022: Establishment of mass production technology for high-performance fine ceramics materials

Overview
Established mass production technology for fine ceramics for certain special applications, strengthening supply capacity.
Impact
Contributes to expansion of industrial applications and increased orders

2021: Advancement of grinding material recycling technology

Overview
Improved recycling technology for used grinding wheels to build a resource circulation business model.
Impact
Strengthened environmental response and cost reduction effects

2020: Research and development of next-generation electronic materials

Overview
Advanced development of new materials such as insulating materials and electronic paste compatible with advanced semiconductors.
Impact
対応 to market needs and maintenance of technological competitiveness

Sustainability

  • Promotion of used grinding wheel recycling to strengthen resource circulation
  • Development and dissemination of energy-saving firing kilns
  • Entry into environmentally friendly biochar manufacturing business
  • Enhancement of environmental対応 for industrial waste treatment equipment
  • Thorough green procurement and supply chain management
  • Implementation of employee environmental awareness programs
  • Active setting and progress management of CO2 emissions reduction targets
  • Participation in environmental conservation activities with local communities
  • Promotion of sustainable product design
  • Reduction of waste and improvement of reuse rate