Krosaki Harima
Basic Information
- Stock Code
- 5352
- Industry
- Glass and Clay Products
- Category Detail
- Construction Materials & Equipment
- Prefecture
- Fukuoka Prefecture
- Establishment Year
- October 1918
- Listing Year
- May 1949
- Official Website
- https://www.krosaki.co.jp/
- TSE Information
- TSE Information
- Yahoo! Finance
- Yahoo! Finance
- Other Companies
- Shinagawa Refractories, Nippon Crucible, Mino Ceramics, Yotai, Mitsubishi Kakoki, KYB
Overview
Krosaki Harima is a leading domestic manufacturer of refractories and fine ceramics founded in 1918, belonging to the Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Group as a comprehensive refractory producer.
Current Situation
Krosaki Harima recorded consolidated sales of approximately 113.6 billion yen, operating profit of about 4.9 billion yen, and net profit of about 6.5 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 2021, maintaining a solid business foundation. Its core refractory business has established a strong position in the steel industry, and it also engages in furnace construction, supplying products to steel mills domestically and internationally. It has multiple production bases from Kyushu to Hokkaido in Japan, and conducts business overseas in the US, China, and Spain. Technologically, it is advancing the development of fine ceramics to create high-value-added products. Toward realizing a sustainable society, it is promoting initiatives to reduce environmental impact, accelerating global expansion by 2030, and targeting emerging markets as strategic goals. It is building a new factory in India and actively investing in facilities, positioning it as a pillar for future growth. With over 4,800 employees, it has built a stable supply system, bolstered by technical support and market development through collaboration with its parent company, Nippon Steel. While recognizing risks from short-term economic fluctuations and raw material price changes, it aims for sustainable growth by leveraging its competitive edge and technological strength in the refractories industry.
Trivia
Interesting Facts
- Founded in 1918, a venerable name in Japan's refractory manufacturing industry
- Key refractory supplier for Nippon Steel Group
- Contains the 2.5 million-year-old volcano site 'Myoken Mountain' within head office factory premises
- Japan's first fine ceramics business division launched in 1985
- Top-class domestically in furnace construction technology and track record
- Overseas production bases in US, China, and Spain
- Yahata and West Japan factories adjoin Nippon Steel's Kitakyushu Works
- Track and field club has multiple top finishes in ekiden relay races
- Founder is Keiichiro Yasukawa, prominent in steel industry
- Supplies refractories for high-temperature furnaces also called black panels
- High-purity alumina products contribute to high performance of electronic devices
- Advancing automation of furnace construction to improve production site efficiency
- Continuous delivery track record to major domestic steel manufacturers
- Actively developing Indian market using local subsidiaries
- Actively participating in local environmental protection activities
Hidden Connections
- Secures stable demand base through collaboration with parent Nippon Steel
- Important base responsibly supplying blast furnace refractories to numerous steel mills
- Applies furnace construction technology to excel in plant maintenance business
- Jointly advancing new materials development with domestic industrial materials research institutes
- Accelerating global expansion via overseas local production bases
- Deepens ties with local Kitakyushu City through regional sports support
- Occupies important position in steel-related industry supply chain
- Fine ceramics technology collaborates with leading partners in electronic components field
Future Outlook
Growth Drivers
- Increasing refractory demand centered on emerging countries
- Expansion of fine ceramics applications
- Steel industry equipment renewal demand
- Development of low-environmental-impact products compliant with regulations
- Growing furnace construction demand at domestic and overseas steel mills
- Deepening of new materials technology and innovative processing technology
- Strengthened global expansion via overseas subsidiaries
- Promotion of refractory recycling technology adoption
- Expansion of automation and labor-saving needs in industry
- Solid customer base and long-term supply contracts
Strategic Goals
- Expand share in global refractories market
- Strengthen production base centered on emerging markets including India
- Expand lineup of environmentally regulatory compliant products
- Advance and promote furnace construction automation technology
- Create new technologies in fine ceramics field
- Improve refractory recycling rate and promote resource circulation
- Promote technological innovation through group synergies
- Achieve sustainable development through coexistence with local communities
- Enhance employee skills and create better working environment
- Build stable and sustainable profit base
Business Segments
Refractory Manufacturing for Steel Industry
- Overview
- Provides refractory products and furnace construction services for steel manufacturing processes.
- Competitiveness
- Leverages technology and capital from Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Group
- Customers
-
- Steel Manufacturers
- Steel Mills
- Plant Construction Companies
- Construction Firms
- Steel Casting Manufacturers
- Maintenance & Repair Companies
- Government Agencies
- Major Construction Consultants
- Engineering Firms
- Overseas Steel Mills
- Products
-
- Refractory Bricks
- Monolithic Refractories
- Furnace Construction
- Heat-Resistant Ceramics
- Insulation Materials
- Refractory Mortar
- Ceramic Fiber
- Repair Materials
- High-Performance Refractory Coatings
- Heat-Resistant Plates
Ceramics Product Development & Manufacturing
- Overview
- Provides advanced fine ceramics products to various industries.
- Competitiveness
- Advanced materials technology and precision processing capabilities
- Customers
-
- Electronics Manufacturers
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers
- Chemical Manufacturers
- Machinery Manufacturers
- Precision Equipment Manufacturers
- Medical Device Manufacturers
- Research Institutions
- Aerospace Industry
- Environmental Equipment Manufacturers
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturers
- Products
-
- Alumina Ceramics
- Zirconia Products
- Ceramic Substrates
- Fine Ceramics Parts
- Ceramic Composites
- Electrical Insulation Materials
- Heat-Resistant Parts
- Functional Ceramics
- Ceramic Tubes
- High Thermal Conductivity Materials
Furnace Construction Services
- Overview
- Provides refractory furnace construction and maintenance for blast furnaces and plants.
- Competitiveness
- Years of furnace construction expertise and technology
- Customers
-
- Steel Manufacturers
- Chemical Plants
- Power Companies
- Environmental Businesses
- Plant Maintenance Firms
- Heavy Industry
- Cement Manufacturers
- Industrial Furnace Manufacturers
- Energy Suppliers
- Facility Management Companies
- Products
-
- Furnace Design
- Furnace Construction
- Furnace Body Repair
- Refractory Construction
- Plant Maintenance
- Heat-Resistant Equipment Installation
- Construction Consulting
- Refractory Renovation Planning
- Maintenance Parts Supply
- Construction Management
Precision Ceramics Processing Business
- Overview
- Provides precision fine ceramics parts leveraging advanced processing technology.
- Competitiveness
- Integrated precision processing and materials development technology
- Customers
-
- Electronic Parts Manufacturers
- Automotive-Related Companies
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Aerospace Companies
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
- Optical Equipment Manufacturers
- Research Labs
- Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturers
- Environmental Equipment Manufacturers
- Precision Equipment Traders
- Products
-
- Ceramics Machined Parts
- Electronic Insulation Materials
- High-Magnification Ceramic Parts
- Wear-Resistant Parts
- Aerospace Parts
- Medical Ceramic Components
- High-Function Coatings
- Fine Ceramics Crafted Items
- Precision Assemblies
- Electronic Material Substrates
Overseas Refractory Business
- Overview
- Expands refractory products and services centered on Asia, US, and Europe.
- Competitiveness
- Supply system in collaboration with local factories
- Customers
-
- Overseas Steel Mills
- Overseas Construction Firms
- Local Engineering Companies
- Exporters
- Local Agents
- Overseas Plant Operators
- Overseas Metal Manufacturers
- Overseas Environmental Plants
- International Corporations
- Local Distributors
- Products
-
- Refractory Brick Exports
- Furnace Technology Support
- Locally Procured Materials
- Overseas Factory Products
- Equipment Exports
- Refractory Mortar
- Repair Materials
- Products for Construction Sites
- Overseas Services
- Technical Guidance
R&D Services
- Overview
- Advances technological research on industrial refractories and fine ceramics.
- Competitiveness
- In-house development facilities and network of specialized engineers
- Customers
-
- Group Companies
- External Research Institutions
- Universities
- End Users
- Industry Associations
- Government Agencies
- Technology Development Partners
- Equipment Manufacturers
- Materials Manufacturers
- Environmental Technology Companies
- Products
-
- Materials Technology Research
- New Product Development
- Performance Evaluation
- Refractory Testing
- Applied Ceramics Research
- Consulting
- Technology Transfer
- Analysis Technology
- Functional Materials Development
- Environmentally Compatible Technology
Product Maintenance Services
- Overview
- Contributes to stable customer production through maintenance of refractory products.
- Competitiveness
- Rapid response capabilities and technical expertise
- Customers
-
- Steel Mills
- Chemical Plants
- Power Plants
- Manufacturing Factories
- Facility Management Firms
- Environmental Facilities
- Industrial Plants
- Logistics Facilities
- Large Industrial Facilities
- Municipalities
- Products
-
- Refractory Inspections
- Repair & Maintenance Work
- Performance Improvement Proposals
- Product Replacement Services
- Maintenance Contracts
- Equipment Diagnostics
- Energy Efficiency Optimization
- Safety Support
- Longevity Services
- Quality Control
Special Materials Supply Business
- Overview
- Provides advanced functional materials to support diverse industries.
- Competitiveness
- Stable supply of high-purity materials
- Customers
-
- High-Tech Manufacturers
- Medical Device Developers
- Aerospace-Related
- Electronic Parts Traders
- Automotive Parts Traders
- Research Labs
- Chemical Manufacturers
- New Materials Developers
- Precision Equipment Companies
- Environmental Equipment Manufacturers
- Products
-
- High-Function Ceramics Powder
- Composite Materials
- Heat-Resistant Coating Materials
- Processing Raw Materials
- Electronic Device Components
- Medical Materials
- Insulation Materials
- Functional Powders
- Industrial Raw Materials
- Processing Aids
Engineering Services
- Overview
- Provides services supporting optimal design and construction of refractories and related equipment.
- Competitiveness
- Extensive furnace construction and on-site know-how in collaboration with Nippon Steel
- Customers
-
- Steel Manufacturers
- Construction Industry
- Plant Companies
- Facility Management Companies
- Chemical Plants
- Power Companies
- Environmental Facilities
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturers
- Overseas Plant Operators
- Manufacturing Industry
- Products
-
- Refractory Design
- On-Site Construction Management
- Equipment Renovation Planning
- Technical Consulting
- Quality Assurance
- Maintenance Planning
- New Technology Introduction Support
- Project Management
- Process Optimization Proposals
- Risk Management
Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Overview
- Realizes safe and rapid supply of refractory products domestically and internationally.
- Competitiveness
- Group collaboration and customer-focused logistics management
- Customers
-
- Steel-Related Companies
- Manufacturing Industry
- Construction Companies
- Trading Companies
- Wholesalers
- Domestic & Overseas Agents
- Sales Partners
- Overseas Collaborators
- Production Factories
- Customer Companies
- Products
-
- Product Delivery Management
- Inventory Optimization
- Overseas Shipping Support
- Domestic Shipping Coordination
- Logistics Efficiency
- Order Management
- Warehouse Management
- Supply Planning
- Quality Control
- Customer Support
Resource Recycling & Environmental Business
- Overview
- Advances recycling of refractories and reduction of environmental impact.
- Competitiveness
- Environmentally considerate technology and resource recycling systems
- Customers
-
- Steel Mills
- Recycling Firms
- Environmental Companies
- Municipalities
- Plant Operators
- Facility Management Firms
- Chemical Manufacturers
- Energy-Saving Companies
- Industrial Waste Processors
- Research Institutions
- Products
-
- Used Refractory Recycling
- Waste Disposal Support
- Environmental Impact Reduction Technology
- Energy-Saving Compatible Refractories
- Environmental Consulting
- Exhaust Gas Purification Materials
- Recycled Materials
- Environmental Regulation Compliance Support
- Sustainability Reporting
- Environmental Technology Development
Competitive Advantage
Strengths
- Capital and technical support from Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Group
- One of Japan's largest refractory manufacturing capacities
- Multi-site production and service network
- Advanced fine ceramics technology
- Extensive track record in furnace construction
- Stable financial base and profit margins
- Broad customer base and long-term relationships
- Rapid response via overseas local production
- Product differentiation through R&D
- Comprehensive after-sales service system
- Provision of high-function materials like heat-resistant and insulating
- Active adoption of environmental impact reduction technologies
- Trusted brand power domestically and internationally
- Proven furnace construction technology and consulting
- Stable supply capacity for high-quality materials
Competitive Advantages
- Provides differentiated integrated solutions through collaboration with Nippon Steel Group
- Rich industry know-how backed by over 100 years of history
- High-value-added expansion by fusing diverse refractory products lineup with fine ceramics technology
- Stable supply network via multiple factories domestically and overseas
- Deep customer response with total services including furnace construction
- Strength in new materials field through high-function materials development
- Improved customer satisfaction via close customer improvements and long-term maintenance contracts
- Sustainable corporate value creation through development and adoption of environmentally responsive products
- Enhanced local production and sales networks for overseas markets
- Emphasis on talent development and technology succession
- Cost competitiveness strengthened by latest automation technology
- Strong trust with major domestic steel manufacturer customers
- Flexible response to market changes with robust R&D system
- High reliability maintained through thorough safety and quality management
- ESG enhancement by promoting resource recycling and environmental impact reduction technologies
Threats
- Risk of demand decline due to reduced steel industry production
- Fluctuations in raw material prices necessary for refractory manufacturing
- Intensified competition from new materials or substitutes
- Strengthened cost competitiveness of overseas competitors
- Risk of rising manufacturing costs from stricter environmental regulations
- Impact of reduced capital investment due to economic fluctuations
- Uncertainty in import/export costs from exchange rate fluctuations
- Decline in competitiveness from lagging technological innovation speed
- Impact on site and R&D operations from labor shortages
- Possibility of production halts from natural disasters or geopolitical risks
- Impact from changes in business conditions of client steel manufacturers
- Supply chain disruption risks
Innovations
2024: New Factory Construction in India
- Overview
- New refractory production factory established to meet India market expansion.
- Impact
- Aims to expand market share through strengthened local production
2023: High-Performance Fine Ceramics Development
- Overview
- Developed new high-purity alumina material for electronic components.
- Impact
- Successfully expanded high-value-added product line
2022: Introduction of Automation Technology for Furnace Construction
- Overview
- Adopted AI-based construction management and quality inspection system.
- Impact
- Improved construction efficiency and quality assurance
2021: Refractory Recycling Technology Development
- Overview
- Established recycling process for used refractories.
- Impact
- Contributes to environmental impact reduction and cost savings
2020: Development of Low-Environmental-Impact Refractory Materials
- Overview
- Commercialized energy-saving, low-CO2 emission refractories.
- Impact
- Strengthened environmentally regulatory compliant products
Sustainability
- Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in manufacturing processes
- Promotion of used refractory recycling technology
- Acceleration of environmentally friendly material development
- Introduction and expansion of energy-saving equipment
- Thorough safety and health management improvements
- Conclusion of environmental protection agreements with local communities
- Reduction of environmental impact in supply chain
- Employee environmental education and awareness activities
- Acquisition and maintenance of ISO14001 and other environmental certifications
- Optimization of energy utilization efficiency
- Implementation of green procurement policies
- Improvement of product environmental compatibility