Kurimoto Iron Works
Basic Information
- Stock Code
- 5602
- Industry
- Steel
- Category Detail
- Iron, Steel & Metal Products
- Prefecture
- Osaka Prefecture
- Establishment Year
- May 1934
- Listing Year
- May 1949
- Official Website
- https://www.kurimoto.co.jp/
- TSE Information
- TSE Information
- Yahoo! Finance
- Yahoo! Finance
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Overview
Kurimoto Iron Works is a veteran steel industry company founded in 1934, boasting the second-largest domestic market share in cast iron pipes, and engages in multifaceted technological development centered on pipe manufacturing for public works.
Current Situation
Kurimoto Iron Works recorded consolidated sales of approximately 126.7 billion yen and ordinary income of about 8.5 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2025, maintaining a stable financial position. Its core cast iron pipe business holds the second-largest share in the domestic market after its competitor, heavily dependent on public infrastructure such as water supply and sewage systems. In recent years, it has focused on expanding into new materials like FRP products and CFRP manufacturing contracts, promoting technological innovation. It also considers sustainability, such as installing a test center for solvent recovery equipment to reduce environmental impact. In the medium to long term, it aims to improve management efficiency and expand customer value through subsidiary reorganizations and mergers, strategically advancing technological diversification and market expansion toward 2030. Taking into account recent scandals, it prioritizes strengthening quality control and restoring trust.
Trivia
Interesting Facts
- One of Japan's oldest cast iron pipe manufacturers, founded in 1909.
- No. 2 domestic market share in the cast iron pipe industry after Kubota.
- Long-term supplier of cast steel products for highway bridges.
- Top-class manufacturer of piping materials for public infrastructure.
- Around 1965, a formwork strength falsification scandal spanning about 40 years was revealed.
- Celebrated 110th anniversary in 2019 with CI refresh and theme song establishment.
- Focusing on carbon fiber reinforced plastic automotive parts business.
- Advancing management efficiency through multiple mergers and subsidiary reorganizations.
- Installed dedicated test center for solvent recovery equipment within factory.
- Member of the Daiwa Association with extensive corporate network.
- Nationwide operations with factories in Hokkaido and Kyushu.
- Quality management characterized by close collaboration with partner companies.
- Lead underwriter securities are Resona Bank, with stable capital ties.
- Expands beyond iron/steel/metal products into machinery-related fields.
- Business heavily dependent on public water supply and sewage projects.
Hidden Connections
- A monument marking the birthplace in Chishima, Taisho-ku, Osaka, indicates deep regional ties.
- Acquired the bankrupt Daika Polymer business in 2017 to strengthen polymer operations.
- Deepened business collaboration through subsidiary merger with Koshi Seikosho from Taiheiyo Cement group.
- Focusing on trust recovery within the industry due to highway formwork strength falsification incident.
- Major shareholders include Japan Master Trust Bank and Sun Life Insurance.
- Actively publicizes environmental product development in Chemical Industry Newspaper and Nikkei, etc.
- Expanding business areas diversely in steelmaking, cast iron pipes, building materials, machinery, etc.
- Provides TV and radio programs, engaging in local community PR activities.
Future Outlook
Growth Drivers
- Increasing demand for renewal of public water supply and sewage infrastructure
- Expansion of FRP/CFRP product applications in automotive industry
- Growing demand for environmentally friendly products due to stricter regulations
- Expansion of orders for regionally concentrated large projects
- Advancement and promotion of fiber-reinforced composite materials technology
- Market expansion through public-private partnerships
- Potential expansion into overseas infrastructure markets
- Accelerated technological innovation through advanced engineer training
- Shift to sustainable manufacturing processes
- Business efficiency and cost reductions via DX promotion
- Synergy creation through strengthened subsidiary collaboration
- Accelerated commercialization of new materials and technologies
Strategic Goals
- Sales growth through market share expansion in public works
- Acceleration of carbon fiber reinforced plastic product business
- Establishment of zero environmental impact manufacturing processes
- Environmental certification for all product lines
- Strengthening of quality management and compliance systems
- Optimization of nationwide network and multi-site production setup
- Enhancement of technology R&D divisions
- Realization of digital transformation
- Deepening coexistence with local communities and social contributions
- Promotion of medium- to long-term overseas market entry plans
Business Segments
Public Water Supply and Sewerage Business
- Overview
- Provides high-durability cast iron pipes and related components for local government water supply and sewage facilities.
- Competitiveness
- No. 2 domestic market share and long-accumulated technology
- Customers
-
- Local Governments
- Water Supply and Sewerage Operators
- Construction Companies
- Equipment Contractors
- Public Works Contractors
- Products
-
- Cast Iron Pipes
- Ductile Cast Iron Pipes
- Pipe Fittings
- Corrosion-Resistant Lining Materials
- Water Supply and Sewerage Piping Systems
Building Equipment Materials Business
- Overview
- Manufactures and sells high-quality piping and materials for building air conditioning and gas equipment.
- Competitiveness
- Extensive product lineup and construction system proposal capabilities
- Customers
-
- Construction Companies
- Equipment Contractors
- Air Conditioning Equipment Manufacturers
- Gas Companies
- Real Estate Management Companies
- Products
-
- Air Conditioning Piping Materials
- Water Supply/Drainage Pipe Materials
- Gas Pipe Materials
- Pipe Fittings
- Energy-Saving Building Materials Systems
Industrial Machinery Cast Steel Products
- Overview
- Provides high-quality cast steel parts for industrial machinery and bridges.
- Competitiveness
- Advanced cast steel technology and custom response capabilities
- Customers
-
- Machinery Manufacturers
- Plant Construction Companies
- Bridge Manufacturers
- Steel Manufacturers
- Heavy Equipment Manufacturers
- Products
-
- Cast Steel Parts
- Special Cast Steel Products
- Bridge Components
- Machinery Metal Parts
Chemical/Environmental Equipment Business
- Overview
- Designs, manufactures, and sells solvent recovery and reaction equipment for chemical processes.
- Competitiveness
- Total system design and testing functions
- Customers
-
- Chemical Manufacturers
- Environmental Equipment Operators
- Manufacturing Companies
- Research Institutions
- Equipment Design Companies
- Products
-
- Solvent Recovery Equipment
- Reaction Equipment
- Test Center Equipment
Automotive-Related Parts Contract Manufacturing
- Overview
- Engages in contract manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced plastic parts.
- Competitiveness
- Advanced composite material processing technology
- Customers
-
- Automakers
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers
- Transportation Equipment Manufacturers
- Products
-
- CFRP Automotive Parts
- Lightweight Composite Parts
Logistics/Trading Business
- Overview
- Wholesale business of pipe materials and building materials through group subsidiaries.
- Competitiveness
- Extensive domestic logistics network
- Customers
-
- Pipe Material Trading Companies
- Building Materials Wholesalers
- Construction Companies
- Various Distributors
- Products
-
- Pipe Materials Wholesale
- Building Materials Wholesale
Polymer-Related Business
- Overview
- Develops, manufactures, and sells synthetic resin-related products.
- Competitiveness
- Materials development technology and diverse applications
- Customers
-
- Chemical Industry Companies
- Materials Manufacturers
- Machinery Manufacturers
- Products
-
- Synthetic Resin Products
- Coating Materials
Manufacturing Machinery Business
- Overview
- Manufactures industrial machinery used for casting and metal processing.
- Competitiveness
- High-precision machinery design and manufacturing technology
- Customers
-
- Metal Processors
- Factory Equipment Manufacturers
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturers
- Products
-
- Metal Pressing Machinery
- Casting Machinery
Bridge-Related Business
- Overview
- Design and manufacturing of bridge-related materials (spun off).
- Competitiveness
- Long track record in the industry
- Customers
-
- Bridge Construction Companies
- Infrastructure Operators
- Products
-
- Bridge Materials
- Formwork Manufacturing
Building Materials Design/Construction
- Overview
- Provides building materials piping design and construction for clients.
- Competitiveness
- Integrated design and construction services
- Customers
-
- Architectural Design Firms
- Construction Companies
- Owner Companies
- Products
-
- Piping Design
- Construction Management
Environmentally Friendly Product Development
- Overview
- Focuses on development and sales of environmentally friendly products and energy-saving materials.
- Competitiveness
- Numerous Ministry of the Environment certified products
- Customers
-
- Environmental Companies
- Public Infrastructure
- Products
-
- Environmentally Considerate Cast Iron Pipes
- Energy-Saving Piping Materials
R&D and Technical Support
- Overview
- Supports innovative product development to strengthen technological competitiveness.
- Competitiveness
- Abundant patents and technical personnel
- Customers
-
- In-House Business Divisions
- External Research Institutions
- Products
-
- New Materials Research
- Processing Technology Development
- Technical Consulting
Competitive Advantage
Strengths
- No. 2 market share in domestic cast iron pipe sector
- Long-cultivated cast iron and cast steel manufacturing technology
- Diverse product portfolio
- Stable transaction relationships with public works
- Unique FRP/CFRP technology expansion
- Broad business base through subsidiary collaboration
- High quality control and product reliability
- Strong regional sales network
- Continuous technological innovation
- Long-term customer relationship building
- Stable financial foundation
- Advanced environmental response technology
- Flexible custom product response
- Supply capacity through multi-site production
- Abundant patented technologies
Competitive Advantages
- Strong position in domestic cast iron pipe market next to Kubota
- High trust from public water supply and sewerage operators
- Preparation for automotive industry entry via advanced composite manufacturing contracts
- Product range covering broad industry needs
- Efficiency gains through integrated operations post-subsidiary mergers
- Market leadership in environmental equipment development
- Enhanced development capabilities via technology test center
- Diverse piping system proposal capabilities
- Custom performance in special cast steel products
- Customer satisfaction backed by stable supply
- Differentiation through advanced materials R&D
- Cost management during material price surges
- Proactive management strategies led by executives
- Network formation capabilities within the industry
- Organizational quality improvement and compliance strengthening
Threats
- Demand fluctuations due to public works budget changes
- Rising raw material prices and supply instability
- Intensifying competition in cast iron pipe market
- Market expansion of new materials and alternative piping
- Increased compliance costs from stricter environmental regulations
- Competitive decline from delayed technological innovation
- Expanding market entry by overseas companies
- Reputation risk from quality scandals
- Labor shortages and rising personnel costs
- Management risks from exchange rate fluctuations
- Supply-demand imbalances from infrastructure aging
- Material procurement impacts from geopolitical risks
Innovations
2024: Entry into Contract Manufacturing of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Automotive Parts
- Overview
- Newly entered the CFRP technology-based automotive parts manufacturing business, succeeding in developing lightweight, high-durability products.
- Impact
- Expects approx. 4 billion yen in sales from new business expansion by FY2050
2023: Launch of Dedicated Test Facility for Solvent Recovery Equipment
- Overview
- Installed a test center within the Sumiyoshi Plant to accelerate testing and development of solvent recovery equipment aimed at reducing environmental impact.
- Impact
- Contributes to equipment quality improvement and new customer acquisition
2022: Enhancement of Manufacturing Technology for Low-Carbon Environmentally Friendly Cast Iron Pipes
- Overview
- Introduced a new manufacturing method that reduces environmental impact in production processes while maintaining durability.
- Impact
- Contributes to increased number of environmental certifications for products
2021: Efficiency Integration of Multi-Site Production System
- Overview
- Integrated and reorganized production functions across multiple factories to enhance production efficiency and quality control.
- Impact
- Achieved cost reductions and shorter delivery times
2020: New Development and Mass Production of FRP Piping Products
- Overview
- Developed highly corrosion-resistant fiber-reinforced plastic piping products and expanded to public works.
- Impact
- Achieved market expansion and sales growth
Sustainability
- Promotion of environmental impact reduction through solvent recovery equipment
- Transition plan to decarbonized manufacturing processes
- Active use of recycled cast iron materials
- Provision of energy-saving building materials systems
- Factory energy efficiency improvement measures
- Strengthened water quality and air pollution prevention measures
- ISO14001 environmental management system certification
- Participation in regional environmental conservation activities
- Promotion of sustainable material procurement
- Adherence to corporate ethics and compliance