NTN

Basic Information

Stock Code
6472
Industry
Machinery
Category Detail
Auto Parts
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
March 1918
Listing Year
May 1949
Official Website
https://www.ntn.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
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Overview

NTN is one of the world's leading bearing manufacturers founded in 1918, and a global leader in the manufacturing industry with strengths in automotive parts.

Current Situation

NTN recorded consolidated sales of approximately 733.5 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2019, with the overseas sales ratio exceeding 70%, establishing a strong international presence. It holds top global market shares in automotive drive shafts and hub bearings, and also possesses competitiveness in the precision equipment sector. Having aggressively pursued global expansion since the 1900s, it has expanded production bases in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and other regions, achieving cost optimization and quality improvements through local procurement. The company is focusing on new energy fields such as large bearings for wind power generation, while advancing technological innovations and developing environmentally compatible products for mid-to-long-term growth. In 2023, it relocated its headquarters to the Daibiru Main Building in Kita-ku, Osaka City, to strengthen its organizational structure. Moving forward, it plans to expand production capacity in Indonesia, India, and Taiwan to enhance its responsiveness to emerging markets, while promoting product development and business diversification toward realizing a sustainable society.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • NTN holds the 4th largest share in the global bearing industry.
  • 2nd in global drive shafts, 1st in hub bearings.
  • Founded in 1934, a long-established company with over 100 years of history.
  • Pioneered overseas production of large bearings for wind power ahead of domestic competitors.
  • Strengthened European market by making French SNR a wholly-owned subsidiary.
  • Strong corporate network as a member of Sansui-kai, Sanwa Group, and Midori-kai.
  • Features actress Tabe Mikako as image character in advertisements.
  • Emphasizes on-site, actual items, and people philosophy to advance global production.
  • Large corporation with approximately 25,493 consolidated employees.
  • Global company with affiliates in Asia, Europe/Americas, Brazil, South Korea, and more.
  • Diversified operations including automotive parts, precision machinery, railway, and steel products.
  • Past joint venture with Nidec for technology exchange.
  • NTN name derives from founder's initials, later adding meaning of technical network.
  • Paid-in capital of approximately 54.3 billion yen, with stable financial base.
  • Included in Nikkei 225 stock average components.

Hidden Connections

  • Belongs to corporate networks of Sansui-kai, Sanwa Group, Midori-kai, closely linked with other major companies.
  • Strong influence in European bearing market through acquisition of French SNR.
  • Partnership with South Korea's Seohan for collaborative production of wind power bearings.
  • Strong in EV-related technologies due to past joint venture with Nidec.
  • Representative Director and President is Eiichi Ukai, indicating management stability.
  • Brand penetration to general consumers through CM featuring Tabe Mikako.
  • NTN products supplied to diverse industries from automobiles to wind power and railways.
  • Susceptible to international trade impacts due to extensive global operations.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding demand in electric vehicles and new energy fields
  • Production and sales expansion in Asian emerging markets
  • Growth in wind power market and related product demand
  • Improved production efficiency and product sophistication through IoT/AI
  • Increasing demand for environmentally compatible products amid stricter regulations
  • Market development through diversification and global collaboration
  • Expansion of high value-added parts for precision equipment
  • Promotion of green energy adoption
  • Cost reduction through digitalization of manufacturing processes
  • Strengthening of global supply chain
  • Advancement of in-house technological innovation and R&D
  • Expansion of long-term customer base

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 75% overseas sales ratio
  • Maintain top 3 global position in wind power bearings
  • Significantly reduce product environmental impact
  • Complete commercialization of next-generation bearing technology
  • 30% improvement in production efficiency through digitalization
  • Product performance improvement through new materials development
  • Further strengthening of global local production systems
  • Expansion of CSR activities toward sustainable society realization
  • Enrich lineup of products for automotive industry electrification
  • Strengthen financial soundness through improved capital efficiency

Business Segments

Automotive Parts Manufacturing

Overview
Globally supplies drivetrain and steering parts for automobiles.
Competitiveness
High global market share and advanced manufacturing technology
Customers
  • Automobile manufacturers
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
  • Exporters
  • Auto repair businesses
Products
  • Constant Velocity Joints
  • Drive Shafts
  • Power Steering Parts
  • Hub Bearings

Wind Power Generation Business

Overview
Early manufacturing and supply of large bearings for wind power generation.
Competitiveness
Local production systems in Japan and overseas
Customers
  • Wind power equipment manufacturers
  • Energy companies
  • Environmental companies
  • Resource development companies
Products
  • Large Bearings
  • Support Structure Parts
  • Bearing Units

Precision Equipment Parts Supply

Overview
Provides high-precision parts to various precision equipment manufacturers.
Competitiveness
Advanced technology development and quality assurance systems
Customers
  • Medical equipment manufacturers
  • Measuring instrument manufacturers
  • Electronics manufacturers
  • Precision machinery manufacturers
Products
  • Precision Ball Bearings
  • Needle Bearings
  • Oil-Impregnated Bearings

Industrial Machinery Parts

Overview
Provides durable parts for industrial machinery to support machine operation.
Competitiveness
Cost reduction through long-life parts
Customers
  • Factory machinery manufacturers
  • General manufacturing
  • Maintenance service providers
Products
  • Industrial Bearings
  • Bearing Units
  • Precision Resin Bearings

Global Sales and Services

Overview
Possesses sales networks and service bases worldwide.
Competitiveness
Multinational sales and support systems
Customers
  • Overseas automakers
  • Overseas bearing distributors
  • Overseas energy companies
Products
  • Bearings
  • Automotive Parts
  • Wind Power Parts

Parts Maintenance and Repair

Overview
Supports business stabilization through repair and replacement parts.
Competitiveness
Wide parts lineup and rapid supply
Customers
  • Auto repair shops
  • Industrial machinery maintenance providers
  • Energy plant operators
Products
  • Repair Bearings
  • Constant Velocity Joint Replacement Parts

Materials and Parts Supply

Overview
Supports the industry through advanced materials development and stable production.
Competitiveness
Collaboration with NTN Advanced Materials
Customers
  • Powder metallurgy manufacturers
  • Alloy materials manufacturers
  • Parts manufacturing companies
Products
  • Special Alloy Parts
  • Powder Metallurgy Parts

R&D and Technical Support

Overview
Promotes technological innovation through industry-academia collaboration.
Competitiveness
Establishment of Next-Generation Collaborative Research Lab with Osaka University
Customers
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Industrial technology development organizations
  • Technology development partners
Products
  • New Materials Development
  • High-Performance Bearing Technology
  • IoT/AI Manufacturing Technology

Logistics and Transportation Equipment Parts

Overview
Secures stable demand through manufacturing of railway-related products.
Competitiveness
High product reliability and quality
Customers
  • Railway vehicle manufacturers
  • Railway infrastructure companies
  • Track equipment manufacturers
Products
  • Railway Bearings
  • Vehicle Parts
  • Track Equipment

Environmental Energy Business

Overview
Develops products aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Competitiveness
Circular model through Green Power Park establishment
Customers
  • Renewable energy operators
  • Environmental technology companies
Products
  • Large Bearings for Wind Power
  • Environmentally Compatible Products

Overseas Local Production

Overview
Strengthening local production in Taiwan, Indonesia, India, China, and others.
Competitiveness
Efficiency through local procurement and production
Customers
  • Automotive markets in various countries
  • Industrial machinery markets
Products
  • Various Bearings
  • Constant Velocity Joints
  • Drive Shafts

Service and Maintenance Support

Overview
Improves customer satisfaction through maintenance support systems.
Competitiveness
Global technical support network
Customers
  • Customer maintenance departments
  • Local sales agents
Products
  • Maintenance Contracts
  • Technical Support
  • Replacement Parts

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • World-class bearing technology
  • Strong competitiveness in automotive parts
  • Global production and sales network
  • Long-standing stable management foundation
  • Diverse product portfolio
  • Early entry into new energy fields
  • Abundant R&D resources
  • Strong partnerships
  • Cost competitiveness through local procurement
  • High-quality management system
  • Presence in large bearings for wind power
  • Ability to meet wide market needs
  • High-performance and versatile product deployment
  • Long-term customer relationship building
  • Accumulated manufacturing know-how

Competitive Advantages

  • 4th largest global bearing manufacturer by market share
  • 2nd place in global drive shaft market share
  • 1st place in global hub bearing market share
  • Early local production in Europe, Americas, and Asia
  • Strengthened European expansion by making French SNR a wholly-owned subsidiary
  • 3rd place market share in large bearings for wind power
  • Responds to customer needs with diverse product categories
  • Strong corporate networks such as Sansui-kai, Sanwa Group
  • Quality and reliability backed by high technological capabilities
  • Risk diversification through globally dispersed production bases
  • Development and promotion of advanced environmentally compatible products
  • Product and service deployment across wide industries
  • Stable financial base and capital strength
  • Long-term contracts with numerous global customers
  • Rapid commercialization of innovative technologies and materials

Threats

  • Risk of fluctuations in global raw material prices
  • Profit pressure from intense industry competition
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on earnings
  • Changes in demand structure due to electrification and transformation in auto industry
  • Disruptions in production and logistics from geopolitical risks
  • Increased costs for product compliance with stricter environmental regulations
  • Rise of competitors in emerging markets
  • Risk of supply chain disruptions
  • Decline in market competitiveness from delayed technological innovation
  • Labor shortages and rising personnel costs
  • Cybersecurity risks
  • Risks from international trade friction and tariff hikes

Innovations

2023: Strengthening European Expansion through Full Acquisition of NTN-SNR

Overview
Strengthened manufacturing and sales in the European market by making French SNR a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Impact
Achieved expansion of production and sales share in Europe

2023: Expansion of Production for Large Wind Power Bearings

Overview
Expanded production facilities for wind power bearings in South Korea and France.
Impact
Improved share in renewable energy sector

2024: Expansion of Local Procurement and Local Production Systems

Overview
Promoting rapid response to local markets by increasing production capacity in Asian countries.
Impact
Cost reduction and improved responsiveness to market needs

2022: Development of Low-Noise Parts for Automobiles

Overview
Developed parts technology to suppress vibration and noise for electric vehicles.
Impact
Strengthened competitiveness in EV market

2021: R&D on Next-Generation Bearing Materials

Overview
Advancing bearing technology using high-durability, lightweight new materials.
Impact
Extended product life and achieved weight reduction

2020: Advanced Production Processes for Smart Factories

Overview
Progressing factory digitalization using AI and IoT technologies.
Impact
Significant improvement in production efficiency

2023: Improved Parts Performance with Special Alloys

Overview
Promoting new material development at subsidiary NTN Advanced Materials.
Impact
Enhanced mechanical performance and durability

2024: Development of Environmentally Friendly Grease Lubrication Technology

Overview
Newly developed high-performance lubrication technology with low environmental impact.
Impact
Product provision compliant with environmental regulations

2022: Establishment of Green Power Park

Overview
Established research base demonstrating natural energy circular model.
Impact
Promotion of sustainable technology development

2021: Practical Application of Next-Generation Drive Shaft Technology

Overview
Introduced new products to market that balance weight reduction and improved durability.
Impact
Contributes to improved automotive fuel efficiency

Sustainability

  • CO2 emissions reduction through local procurement
  • Promotion of wind power bearing development
  • Advancement of renewable energy through Green Power Park
  • Improved resource efficiency through product life extension
  • Energy-saving in production processes
  • Waste recycling promotion systems
  • Reduction of environmental impact in supply chain
  • Coexistence with local communities and environmental conservation activities
  • R&D on technologies for reducing environmental impact
  • Employee environmental awareness programs
  • Thorough compliance of products with environmental regulations
  • Formulation of sustainable procurement policies