Nihon Precision

Basic Information

Stock Code
7771
Industry
Precision Instruments
Category Detail
Consumer Electronics
Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture
Establishment Year
August 1978
Listing Year
September 1997
Official Website
http://www.nihon-s.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Banners, Atra Group, TB Group, Casio Computer, Citizen Watch, Rhythm, Seiko Group

Overview

Nihon Precision is a precision instruments manufacturer founded in 1978, primarily engaged in the manufacturing and sales of watch bands and eyeglass frames, with production bases in Vietnam. It is a mid-sized company in the industry.

Current Situation

Nihon Precision recorded consolidated net sales of approximately 6.9 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 180 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 2023, maintaining a stable revenue base. Its main products are watch bands and eyeglass frames, providing high-quality precision parts to domestic and international watch manufacturers and eyewear brands. It has established efficient production systems with overseas bases in Vietnam. In 2007, a hostile M&A by a Korean company was successful, and it now operates under a multinational management structure. In recent years, it has focused on developing watch bands using premium materials and diversifying eyeglass frames, expanding its product lineup. It also considers sustainability by promoting material recycling and introducing technologies to reduce environmental impact. Looking ahead, it aims for growth through expanding market share overseas and new product development. Key challenges include technological competition with competitors and应对 to foreign exchange fluctuations.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Pioneering company in introducing advanced ceramic materials in watch band industry
  • Noted as a successful example of hostile M&A by Korean company
  • Deploys synthetic leather processing business through Korean subsidiary
  • Pioneered use of high-strength titanium in eyeglass frame manufacturing
  • Built large production base in Vietnam and continues factory expansion
  • Entered electronic lock parts market in some businesses
  • Supplying overseas luxury watch manufacturers since 1990s
  • Successfully diversified by applying precision press technology to fishing gear parts
  • Established multinational management base through M&A integration
  • Focused on product differentiation through high-function material utilization

Hidden Connections

  • Acquisition by Korean company M&FC was Japan's first hostile M&A case for a listed company
  • Subsidiary Murai plays a key role in Fukui Prefecture's eyewear industry
  • Affiliation with Mitsui & Co. subsidiary brings diversity to group management
  • Products supplied to major watch manufacturers like Casio and Citizen
  • Strengthened sales cooperation in Asian countries through Korean capital partner Jienco
  • Cloud-based order management system contributes to domestic and international transaction expansion
  • Environmentally friendly manufacturing is part of strategy anticipating domestic and international regulations
  • Promotes product development through crossover between eyewear and watch industries

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand accompanying global growth in luxury watch market
  • Competitive edge from shift to environmentally friendly materials
  • Expansion of manufacturing bases overseas and cost optimization
  • Diversification of custom and OEM product development
  • Efficiency improvement in order and production management through digitalization
  • Strengthening R&D for high-value-added products
  • Expansion of sales network centered on Asian markets
  • Enhanced corporate value through sustainability certifications
  • Creation of new products by fusing eyeglass frames and watch parts
  • Smart product development utilizing IoT technology

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve net sales of 10 billion yen
  • Expand overseas sales ratio to over 50%
  • Sustainable certified products to 60% or more
  • Achieve carbon neutrality in production processes
  • Reduce environmental impact across entire product lifecycle
  • Market launch of innovative materials and processing technologies
  • Build customization system responding to diverse customer needs
  • Full introduction of digital production management
  • Increase ratio of electronic device parts as new business
  • Expand education programs for technician training and talent acquisition

Business Segments

Parts Manufacturing for Watch Manufacturers

Overview
Supplies high-precision, diverse watch parts to domestic and international watch manufacturers.
Competitiveness
Processing technology for special materials and multi-variety対応 capability
Customers
  • Domestic watch manufacturers
  • Overseas luxury watch brands
  • OEM manufacturers
  • Repair service providers
  • Distributors
Products
  • Metal watch bands
  • Ceramic watch parts
  • Luxury watch decorative parts
  • Special alloy frames
  • Custom-made products

Manufacturing Services for Eyewear Industry

Overview
Provides design, manufacturing, and customization services for eyeglass frames.
Competitiveness
Adoption of high-function materials and environmentally friendly technologies
Customers
  • Eyewear brands
  • Sunglasses manufacturers
  • Lens processors
  • Retailers
  • OEM companies
Products
  • Titanium eyeglass frames
  • Lightweight frame parts
  • Surface treatment processing
  • Custom design frames
  • Metal parts for lenses

Sports Equipment and Fishing Gear Parts Manufacturing

Overview
Manufactures durable metal parts for sports and fishing gear.
Competitiveness
Precision press technology and diverse material対応
Customers
  • Sports equipment manufacturers
  • Fishing gear manufacturers
  • Specialty retailers
  • Outdoor brands
  • OEM partners
Products
  • Pressed parts
  • Impact-resistant frames
  • Functional fittings
  • Accessory parts
  • Original parts

Electronic Device Parts Manufacturing

Overview
Manufactures various parts for electronic locks and provides technical support.
Competitiveness
High-reliability parts manufacturing technology
Customers
  • Electronic lock manufacturers
  • Security equipment sellers
  • Industrial equipment maintenance
  • System integrators
  • OEM manufacturing contractors
Products
  • Keypad electronic lock parts
  • Electronic control parts
  • High-precision processed parts
  • Custom metal frames
  • Electronic device assembly

OEM and Custom Product Development

Overview
Develops and mass-produces made-to-order products according to customer needs.
Competitiveness
Flexible design対応 and rapid production system
Customers
  • Fashion brands
  • Accessory manufacturers
  • Industrial product manufacturers
  • Distributors
  • Promotional product manufacturers
Products
  • Custom watch bands
  • Original eyeglass frames
  • Made-to-order accessories
  • Custom decorative items
  • Limited model parts

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Superior precision processing technology
  • Expertise in utilizing diverse high-function materials
  • Cost competitiveness from Vietnam production base
  • Long-standing industry track record and trust
  • Transaction experience with overseas luxury brands
  • Risk diversification through multi-product expansion
  • Proprietary surface treatment technology
  • High customization capability
  • Extensive experience and skills of technicians
  • Introduction of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes
  • Global expansion capability through multinational management
  • Robust quality control system
  • Stable financial base
  • Broad product portfolio
  • Collaboration among group companies including local subsidiaries

Competitive Advantages

  • Differentiation through high-precision processing using precision molds
  • Capability to process rare materials for luxury watches
  • Dedicated production line for lightweight titanium frames for eyewear
  • Cost optimization through active overseas production
  • Enhanced competitiveness via business diversification through M&A
  • Fast product development based on material R&D
  • High-level customization対応 to customer requests
  • Sustainable manufacturing with reduced environmental impact
  • Diverse product range applicable to multiple industries
  • Stable management supported by solid financial base
  • Improved customer satisfaction through high-standard quality control
  • Continuous investment in new materials and technological innovation
  • Technology succession system focused on talent development
  • Established position in mature markets
  • Acquisition and maintenance of international quality standards

Threats

  • Risk of profit deterioration due to foreign exchange fluctuations
  • Market share erosion from competitors' technological innovations
  • Rising raw material prices
  • Cost increases due to strengthened environmental regulations
  • Declining domestic demand from Japan's population decrease
  • Political and social risks at overseas production bases
  • Intensified price competition from new entrants
  • Supply chain disruptions from pandemics, etc.
  • Aging workforce and talent shortage among technicians
  • Increased tariff burdens from international trade friction
  • Delays in new product development using IT technology
  • Delayed response to rapid changes in consumer preferences

Innovations

2023: Development of High-Durability Carbon Band

Overview
Developed watch band using lightweight and highly durable carbon material.
Impact
Successfully acquired new customers in the luxury watch market

2022: Introduction of Environmentally Friendly Surface Treatment Technology

Overview
Adopted ion plating technology that significantly reduces environmental impact.
Impact
30% reduction in environmental impact of manufacturing processes

2021: Enhanced Automation of Vietnam Production Line

Overview
Introduced latest robot equipment to advance automation for improved manufacturing efficiency.
Impact
15% improvement in production efficiency and quality stabilization

2024: Trial Production Start of New Titanium Alloy Material

Overview
Began trial manufacturing of new alloy lighter and stronger than conventional ones.
Impact
Strengthened foundation for high-value-added product development

2020: Introduction of Digital Customer Request Management System

Overview
Introduced cloud system enabling rapid reflection of customer requests.
Impact
20% reduction in order lead time

2023: Development of High-Precision Processing Technology for Fishing Gear Pressed Parts

Overview
Applied industry-leading precision press technology to significantly improve quality.
Impact
Improved product reliability in fishing gear market

2024: Expansion of Eco Material Adoption for Eyeglass Frames

Overview
Launched new product series using recyclable materials.
Impact
Enhanced competitiveness in sustainable market

2022: Enhancement of Scratch-Resistant Ceramic Bands for Luxury Watches

Overview
Announced product with improved surface strength using proprietary technology.
Impact
Increased orders from luxury brands

2021: Establishment of New Mass Production System for Electronic Lock Parts

Overview
Expanded production system for home and business electronic lock parts.
Impact
Expanded client base and increased sales

2020: Introduction of IT-Based Quality Control Enhancement System

Overview
Reduced defect rate using AI-powered product inspection system.
Impact
Achieved quality improvement and cost reduction

Sustainability

  • Promotion of waste recycling in manufacturing processes
  • Expansion of environmentally friendly water-based paints
  • Strengthening environmental protection activities at Vietnam factory
  • Promotion of energy-efficient equipment introduction
  • Review of raw materials to reduce environmental impact