Waida Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Basic Information

Stock Code
6158
Industry
Machinery
Category Detail
Manufacturing Machinery & Electrical Equipment
Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture
Establishment Year
October 1946
Listing Year
June 2005
Official Website
https://www.waida.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
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Overview

Waida Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a mid-sized player in the machinery industry established in 1946, boasting top-class domestic market share in the special grinding machine sector.

Current Situation

Waida Mfg. Co., Ltd. recorded consolidated sales of approximately 5.8 billion yen and net assets of about 6.1 billion yen in FY2023, solidifying its position in the machinery industry. Its core special grinding machine business commands around 80% domestic share in indexable insert chips for cutting tools and about 60% in mold-related grinding machines. The company is emphasizing overseas markets, with sales and production bases in the United States, China, and Taiwan to drive global expansion. Through steady R&D, it has enhanced its CNC fully automatic grinding machine series, achieving improvements in production efficiency and product precision. Environmental initiatives are progressing, with ISO14001 certification obtained and efforts underway to save energy in manufacturing processes and reduce waste. In the medium to long term, it aims to expand overseas market share, pioneer new markets, and focus on developing new applications for precision grinding technology. In recent years, digital transformation efforts have accelerated smart factory development and IoT utilization to bolster competitiveness. The company balances strengthening its management structure with technological innovation to build a stable growth foundation.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founded in 1933, with company establishment in 1946 post-war; a venerable firm.
  • Holds 80% domestic share in indexable chips for cutting tools.
  • Headquartered in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture; the city's first listed company.
  • Established proprietary CNC technology to meet customer high-precision needs.
  • Began production of first CNC fully automatic profile grinding machine in 1984.
  • Strengthened overseas expansion with local subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
  • Holds ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications.
  • Business strategy specialized in special grinding machines among machine tool makers.
  • Measurement and control equipment handled by subsidiary Japan E&M.
  • Gifu factory located in metal industrial park with clustered related industries nearby.
  • Maintains high technological prowess with approx. 160 employees.
  • Products highly evaluated in industry for high precision and robustness.
  • Strength in providing customized products for diverse needs.
  • Actively exhibits at domestic and international trade shows for information dissemination.
  • Stable management continued with founding family at core.

Hidden Connections

  • Built parts procurement system through close ties with Takayama City workshops.
  • Influential in measurement and control equipment market via subsidiary.
  • Special grinding machines essential for key parts manufacturing in automotive and aerospace.
  • Long-term trusted relationships with domestic mold manufacturers form business foundation.
  • Established manufacturing system compliant with international standards via ISO certifications.
  • U.S./Europe sales agents and local subsidiaries serve as gateways for overseas expansion.
  • Collaborates with local universities and vocational schools for advanced technician training.
  • Pioneer in technological innovation incorporating CNC since the 1970s.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Rising global manufacturing needs for automation and precision
  • Market growth from expanding demand for high-precision machine tools
  • Accelerated development of special grinding machines for semiconductor industry
  • Improved overseas sales ratio through strengthened overseas bases
  • Manufacturing innovation using digital tech and IoT
  • Growing demand for energy-saving products due to stricter environmental regulations
  • Enhanced profitability through high-value-added products
  • Expanding equipment investment in China and Asian emerging markets
  • Flexible response to customer customization demands
  • Maintaining competitiveness via technician training and talent securing
  • Potential for expanded application across diverse industries
  • Efficiency gains from smart manufacturing processes

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 30% overseas sales ratio
  • Maintain and expand domestic share in special grinding machines
  • Accelerate development of new product lineup using CNC technology
  • 100% achievement of factory smartization and automation
  • Achieve environmental reduction targets and strengthen ISO certifications
  • Build sales bases in emerging markets (Asia, North America)
  • Realize sustainable corporate management
  • Foster next-generation technicians and inherit advanced technologies
  • Diversify product lineup and enhance customization
  • Increase R&D investment ratio

Business Segments

For Machine Tool Manufacturers

Overview
Provides high-precision grinding machines mainly for the machine tool industry, from development to maintenance of production equipment.
Competitiveness
High technological expertise and top-class domestic share, with customization to meet customer needs.
Customers
  • Mold manufacturers
  • Cutting tool manufacturers
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
  • Aircraft parts manufacturers
  • Precision machinery manufacturers
  • Electronic parts manufacturers
  • Construction machinery manufacturers
  • Robot manufacturers
  • Industrial machinery manufacturers
  • Semiconductor equipment manufacturers
  • Tool trading companies
  • Equipment maintenance firms
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Overseas manufacturers
  • Startups
Products
  • Profile grinding machines
  • Jig grinding machines
  • Indexable insert chip grinding machines
  • Shank tool grinding machines
  • Fully automatic CNC groove insert grinding machines
  • Ultra-precision surface grinding machines
  • Indexable insert peripheral grinding machines
  • Fully automatic CNC compound peripheral grinding machines
  • Precision measuring instruments
  • Control devices
  • Machining support software
  • Maintenance services
  • Custom grinding equipment
  • OA equipment
  • Automation equipment

For Overseas Markets

Overview
Provides high-performance grinding machines and related services tailored to local overseas needs, advancing global expansion.
Competitiveness
Development capabilities to adapt high-quality Japanese machines to overseas markets, plus local support systems.
Customers
  • Asian manufacturers
  • European machinery makers
  • U.S. factories
  • Overseas machine tool distributors
  • Overseas repair service companies
  • Import/export trading firms
  • Overseas technical support centers
  • International standards certification bodies
  • Local partners
  • Global manufacturing sites
Products
  • CNC profile grinding machines
  • High-speed profile grinding machines
  • Ultra-precision grinding machines
  • Universal grinding machines
  • Multi-function grinding equipment
  • Grinding machine maintenance services
  • Training programs
  • Technical consulting

For R&D Institutions

Overview
Provides high-precision, highly flexible grinding machines to support R&D activities.
Competitiveness
Strong customization capabilities, flexibly meeting research equipment needs.
Customers
  • University engineering departments
  • Public research institutes
  • Corporate technical labs
  • Industry-academia collaboration projects
  • Technical consulting firms
Products
  • Custom precision grinding equipment
  • Prototype machining machines
  • Precision measuring instruments
  • Machining control software

Industrial Machinery Maintenance

Overview
Provides maintenance and inspection services for grinding machines and related equipment, reducing production downtime risks.
Competitiveness
Reliable maintenance services backed by years of manufacturing experience.
Customers
  • Manufacturing plants
  • Equipment maintenance firms
  • Specialized repair companies
  • Machinery dealers
Products
  • Maintenance parts
  • Technical support services
  • Upgrade kits
  • Training courses

Precision Measurement Equipment Sales

Overview
Sells and services precision measurement instruments essential for product quality improvement.
Competitiveness
Quality management support leveraging grinding machine manufacturing technology.
Customers
  • Machine tool manufacturers
  • Quality control departments
  • Measuring instrument retailers
Products
  • 3D measuring devices
  • Surface roughness testers
  • Dimensional measurement systems

Tool Manufacturing Support Services

Overview
Offers manufacturing support services to promote tool development and drive efficiency.
Competitiveness
Unique integration of grinding technology and IT for product development support.
Customers
  • Tool trading companies
  • Manufacturers
  • Technical development teams
Products
  • Tool design support software
  • Machining simulation
  • Technical consulting

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Top-class domestic share in indexable insert chip grinding machines
  • Accumulated expertise in high-precision CNC grinding technology
  • Solid financial base and stable asset position
  • Strong customer base and long-term relationships
  • Aggressive global market expansion
  • Advanced customization capabilities
  • Quality assurance via ISO certifications
  • High-quality control through domestic production
  • Technological superiority from numerous patents
  • Development of specialized technical staff
  • Subsidiary operations in measurement and control equipment
  • Domestic and international sales and service networks
  • High product durability and reliability
  • Environmentally friendly manufacturing processes
  • Rapid after-sales service system

Competitive Advantages

  • 80% domestic market share strength in cutting tool-related market
  • High product quality and reliability from advanced CNC technology
  • Established share in mold-related grinding machines
  • Global customer response enabled by overseas bases
  • Proprietary know-how backed by years of technological development
  • Broad product lineup addressing diverse needs
  • Competitive edge in measurement and control technology via subsidiaries
  • Thorough quality and environmental management with ISO9001/14001 certifications
  • Flexibility for differentiation through customer customization
  • Cost competitiveness maintained by strong on-site improvements
  • Stable supply and short delivery times via domestic production
  • Product development responsive to industry tech trends
  • Long-term investments possible due to prudent financial management
  • Robust sales and maintenance network deployment
  • Enhanced customer service through sales-technical collaboration

Threats

  • Intense price competition from low-cost domestic and foreign firms
  • Suppressed capital investment due to global economic fluctuations
  • Unstable demand from semiconductor market volatility
  • Risk of declining competitiveness from delayed technological innovation
  • Profit deterioration risk from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Upward pressure on raw material prices
  • Technology catch-up and market penetration by emerging country firms
  • Cost increases from stricter environmental regulations
  • Challenges in technology succession due to talent acquisition issues
  • Supply chain impacts from global instability
  • Cybersecurity risks
  • Delays in responding to diversifying customer needs

Innovations

2023: Development of High-Precision CNC Fully Automatic Grinding Machine

Overview
Developed a new grinding machine incorporating the latest control technology for high precision and labor savings.
Impact
10% improvement in production efficiency, 15% better product accuracy

2022: Advancing Smart Factory Transformation

Overview
Promoted factory digitalization using IoT sensors and AI analysis, achieving manufacturing site efficiency gains.
Impact
20% reduction in downtime, improved productivity

2021: Manufacturing Process Improvements for Reduced Environmental Impact

Overview
Implemented innovations in production technology for better energy efficiency and waste reduction.
Impact
15% reduction in CO2 emissions

2020: Mass Production Start of Multi-Function Compound Grinding Machine

Overview
Developed and launched sales of a new model integrating multiple grinding functions.
Impact
Multi-functionality in one unit, space savings

Sustainability

  • Maintaining ISO14001 certification and strengthening environmental management
  • Promoting factory energy savings and waste reduction
  • Environmentally low-impact product design
  • Collaboration with local communities on environmental conservation
  • Implementation of green procurement
  • Thorough safety and health management
  • Employee environmental education programs
  • Compliance with environmental standards in supply chain
  • Active use of recycled materials
  • Setting CO2 emission reduction targets
  • Paper reduction via electronic manuals
  • Utilization of renewable energy