KLASS

Basic Information

Stock Code
6233
Industry
Machinery
Category Detail
Manufacturing Machinery & Electrical Equipment
Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture
Establishment Year
October 1948
Listing Year
September 2018
Official Website
https://www.kyokuto-sanki.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Soketts, Tecnomasema, Hirano Tecseed, Technosmart, Trinity Industry, Genex

Overview

KLASS is a machinery manufacturing company based in Hyogo Prefecture, founded in 1948, boasting a high market share in the interior construction equipment market with its flagship products: automatic wallpaper pasting machines and computer-controlled tatami manufacturing systems.

Current Situation

KLASS recorded consolidated sales of approximately 9.7 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 230 million yen for the fiscal year ended September 2022, maintaining a stable business base as the leading player in the interior construction equipment sector. Its flagship automatic wallpaper pasting machines and computer-controlled tatami manufacturing systems digitize traditional craftsmanship through proprietary technology, earning high acclaim. In the food equipment business, it has successfully developed multi-dispensers for major restaurant chains and expanded into new markets. The company is also advancing into industrial machinery and solar energy businesses, having strengthened production facilities at its main factory in 2022. Selected as a Regional Future-Oriented Company, it has acquired ISO 14001 certification for environmental management and promotes sustainable business practices. In 2023, it changed its name to KLASS to enhance brand value. Moving forward, it aims for stable growth through the development of advanced, labor-saving technologies for interior construction and expansion into new businesses.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Developed Japan's first automatic wallpaper pasting machine in 1971
  • Introduced world's first computer-controlled tatami manufacturing system in 1981
  • Selected as Regional Future-Oriented Company, contributing to regional economy
  • Food dispenser business originated from technology exchange with somen industry
  • Name change implemented in 2023 to refresh brand
  • Owns three major factories in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
  • Has supported efficiency in residential interiors for many years
  • Thorough quality and environmental management with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications
  • Contributes to reducing environmental impact through mega-solar power plant operation
  • President is Masaki Koroan from the founding family

Hidden Connections

  • Tatami manufacturing technology contributes to digitalization in Japan's construction industry
  • Entered food equipment field through regional cross-industry exchange
  • Close collaborative relationships with local somen and light soy sauce industries
  • Strengthened food equipment business through collaboration with subsidiary ROSECC
  • Leveraging METI's Regional Future-Oriented Company certification support
  • Inherited OEM manufacturing and sales network from former name Kyokuto Sanki era
  • Plays key role in regional economic revitalization in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
  • Compliance with international quality standards through ISO certifications

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for labor-saving and high-functionality in interior construction equipment
  • Market expansion for food dispensers targeted at food service industry
  • Growing demand for industrial automation equipment and renewable energy facilities
  • Strengthened administrative collaboration as Regional Future-Oriented Company
  • Gaining trust through enhanced quality and environmental management systems
  • Improved product competitiveness through new technology introduction
  • Expansion of OEM orders and response to diverse customer needs
  • Increasing renovation demand in domestic construction market
  • Product differentiation through IoT and digital technology utilization
  • Building sustainable production systems with environmental considerations

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve growth exceeding 10 billion yen in sales
  • Expand food equipment sales ratio to 30%
  • Full-scale rollout of renewable energy-related business
  • Establish technological leadership in the industry
  • Continuous expansion of ISO and other environmental/quality certifications
  • Market share expansion through new product development
  • Strengthen status as Regional Future-Oriented Company
  • Develop overseas markets and expand exports
  • Promote development of smart building-related equipment
  • Strengthen employee technical training and talent development

Business Segments

Interior Construction Equipment Manufacturing

Overview
Develops and manufactures equipment for interior construction in residential and commercial facilities, supporting work efficiency.
Competitiveness
Accumulated technology and comprehensive product lineup as Japan's leading company
Customers
  • Interior Contractors
  • Construction Companies
  • Renovation Companies
  • Residential Equipment Manufacturers
  • OEM Manufacturers
Products
  • Automatic Wallpaper Pasting Machine
  • Computer Tatami Manufacturing System
  • Interior Construction Tools

Food Equipment Business

Overview
Manufactures commercial food equipment, contributing to operational efficiency and quality improvement.
Competitiveness
Customization capabilities tailored to restaurant chain needs
Customers
  • Restaurant Chains
  • Food Service Industry
  • Food Processors
  • Kitchen Equipment Manufacturers
Products
  • Miso Soup Dispenser
  • Udon/Soba Dashi Injection Machine
  • Multi-Dispenser

Industrial Equipment and Environmental Facilities

Overview
Supplies industrial automation equipment and solar power generation facilities.
Competitiveness
Technology application across multiple fields and robust quality control systems
Customers
  • Manufacturing Companies
  • Renewable Energy Operators
  • Clean Room Operators
Products
  • Solar Power Generation Equipment
  • Manufacturing Automation Line Equipment
  • Clean Factory Equipment

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Domestic leader in the interior construction equipment market
  • High technological capabilities and computer control device development expertise
  • Diversified business portfolio
  • Robust manufacturing base with clean factories
  • Regionally focused sales network
  • Proven track record in high-quality OEM manufacturing
  • Successful entry into the food equipment market
  • Reliability from ISO 14001 environmental certification
  • Accumulated know-how from long years of industry experience
  • Certified as a Regional Future-Oriented Company by METI
  • Strong customer support system
  • Sustainable production management system
  • Improved production efficiency through new equipment introduction
  • Brand refresh effect from name change
  • Flexible product customization capabilities

Competitive Advantages

  • Market-dominant position from automatic wallpaper pasting machine development track record
  • Industry pioneering in computer-controlled tatami manufacturing systems
  • Adoption by major restaurant chains in the multi-dispenser field
  • Resilience to market fluctuations with diverse product lineup across fields
  • High quality maintenance and delivery compliance through strong domestic production system
  • Gaining trust from business partners through proactive sustainable environmental measures
  • Significant improvement in construction efficiency via proprietary developed technologies
  • Administrative support and brand strength as a Regional Future-Oriented Company
  • Flexible OEM order system accommodating diverse customer needs
  • Technological innovation through continuous R&D investment
  • High customer satisfaction from industry-close sales and service system
  • Enhanced cost competitiveness from modernized production equipment
  • Market responsiveness through utilization of diverse sales channels
  • Sanitation and safety standards compliance in food equipment
  • New market development leveraging name change

Threats

  • Risk of demand decline due to construction industry business fluctuations
  • Intensifying technological innovation and price competition from rivals
  • Challenges in technology succession due to talent acquisition difficulties
  • Cost increase pressures from rising raw material prices
  • Decrease in construction volume accompanying population decline in domestic market
  • Risk of production and logistics disruptions from novel infectious diseases, etc.
  • Delays in responding to rapid technological trend changes
  • Increased production costs from stricter environmental regulations
  • Market penetration of low-priced foreign products
  • Exchange rate fluctuations destabilizing imported parts costs
  • Market contraction from aging of traditional customer base
  • Increasing risks of information leaks and cyber attacks

Innovations

2023: Name Change and Brand Refresh

Overview
Changed name from Kyokuto Sanki Co., Ltd. to KLASS Co., Ltd. to refresh brand image.
Impact
Effectively improves customer recognition and facilitates new market development.

2022: Completion of New Assembly Building and Production Headquarters at Kamaoka Factory

Overview
Constructed new assembly building and production headquarters building to strengthen main factory production system.
Impact
Achieves 20% increase in production capacity and stabilization of product quality.

2021: Introduction of IoT-Compatible Wallpaper Pasting Machine

Overview
Developed new wallpaper pasting machine equipped with IoT functions to improve production site efficiency.
Impact
Enables improved work efficiency and remote management.

2020: Made ROSECC Co., Ltd. a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary

Overview
Made related company a wholly-owned subsidiary to strengthen food equipment business.
Impact
Promotes market expansion and technology sharing in the food sector.

2023: Development of New Multi-Dispenser Model

Overview
Launched new multi-functional multi-dispenser model for miso soup and dashi injection.
Impact
Contributes to operational efficiency in the food service industry.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of environmental management through ISO 14001 certification
  • Energy-saving through introduction of clean factory equipment
  • Utilization of renewable energy via mega-solar power plant
  • Promotion of environmentally considerate product development
  • Support for regional environmental improvement as a Regional Future-Oriented Company