Maruzen Showa Unyu

Basic Information

Stock Code: 9068
Industry: Land Transportation Industry
Category Detail: Land Transportation
Prefecture: Kanagawa Prefecture
Establishment Year: August 1931
Listing Year: October 1961
Official Website: https://www.maruzenshowa.co.jp/
TSE Information: TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance: Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies: Zero, Higashi Holdings, Hamakyorex, Daibo Unyu, Enshu Truck, Nichi Logitem, Marun, Senkō Group Holdings, Tonami Holdings, Nikkon Holdings, Fukuyama Unyu, Chuo Soko, Kyuso Ryutsu System

Overview

Maruzen Showa Unyu is a comprehensive logistics company founded in 1931 with its base in Kanagawa Prefecture, providing a wide range of logistics services from industrial materials to daily sundries as a major player in the land transportation industry.

Current Situation

Maruzen Showa Unyu recorded consolidated sales of approximately ¥121.1 billion and operating profit of approximately ¥9.8 billion in the fiscal year ended March 2021, maintaining steady performance. Its core business centers on motor truck cargo transportation, building a solid customer base in industrial materials logistics such as chemicals, steel raw materials, and construction machinery. In recent years, it has focused on consumer goods logistics in daily sundries and apparel sectors to diversify its operations. It is actively expanding overseas, with local subsidiaries and joint ventures in Hong Kong and Chongqing, China, to strengthen international logistics capabilities. It also operates advanced customs clearance and port transportation services, having obtained AEO certification to deliver highly reliable logistics. Through collaboration with group companies, it provides warehousing and moving services, aiming for seamless logistics solutions. Looking ahead, it will promote digitalization and environmental initiatives in the logistics industry, pursuing efficiency and sustainable growth. While addressing challenges like intensifying price competition with rivals and economic fluctuations, it focuses on expanding its logistics network and enhancing service quality.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

Veteran land transportation company boasting over 90 years of history since founding.
One of Japan's first certified customs brokers under the AEO system.
Rare company with multiple bases in China and international logistics joint ventures.
Moving business started in 1982 under the 'Moving Ichiban' brand.
Built strong shipper relationships with JFE Steel and Showa Denko.
Engages in community-close activities based in Yokohama.
Highly evaluated for technology in special cargo and chemical logistics.
Comprehensive logistics company also handling warehousing and logistics facility leasing.
Provides diversified services through expansion of group companies.
Received Fair Trade Commission recommendation for subcontractor law violation in the past but has since strengthened compliance.
Strength in domestic and international port transportation and customs services.
Focused on maintaining logistics functions and social contribution even during the pandemic.
One of the largest capital bases in Japan's land transportation industry.
Contributes to regional economy as a Kanagawa-based logistics company.
Leads industry standards in safety training for materials transportation.

Hidden Connections

Forms stable transaction base through capital ties with primary shipper Showa Denko.
Building Japan-China logistics network leveraging multiple bases in China.
Moving brand 'Moving Ichiban' establishes foundation for regionally rooted services.
Maintains strong ties with port-related companies through port transportation operations.
Advances shipper DX (digital transformation) support through logistics IT investments.
Actively participates in regional disaster prevention and provides logistics support during disasters.
Maintains favorable relationships with financial institutions due to large capital scale.
Established reliability in international logistics as Japan's first AEO specific bonded operator.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

Increased stable demand from expansion of consumer goods logistics
Sophistication of industrial materials transport and growing specialized logistics needs
New customer acquisition through expansion of domestic and international logistics networks
Efficiency improvements via logistics IT and automation technology adoption
Differentiation through development of logistics services compliant with environmental regulations
Strengthened delivery solutions for expanding e-commerce market
Synergy creation through business diversification and group collaboration
Increased import/export logistics from recovery in international trade
Talent acquisition and retention through improved work environment
Enhanced customer trust via strengthened safety management
Improved brand image through stronger regional community ties
Strategic entry into Asian logistics markets

Strategic Goals

Deployment of one of Japan's largest industrial materials logistics services
Realization of green logistics with significant environmental load reduction
Achieve over 50% automation rate through full logistics IT renewal
Strengthen Asian international logistics hubs leveraging overseas subsidiaries
Achieve 70% ratio of long-term contracts through improved customer loyalty
Nationwide rollout of regionally rooted moving services
Enhance trust by obtaining international safety and quality management certifications
Secure top-level ESG ratings through achievement of sustainability metrics
Complete diverse talent utilization and workstyle reforms
Pursue growth strategy targeting annual sales exceeding ¥150 billion

Business Segments

Chemical Products Logistics

Overview

Deploys safe and efficient transportation and storage services for chemical products.

Competitiveness

High-level safety management and AEO certification for reliability

Customers

Showa Denko
Major chemical manufacturers
Mid-sized chemical companies
Industrial materials trading companies
Precision equipment manufacturers

Products

Hazardous materials transport
Dedicated warehouse storage
Cushioning packaging
Import/export customs clearance
Quality control services

Steel Logistics

Overview

Provides logistics services specialized in large and heavy cargo transportation.

Competitiveness

Abundant vehicle fleet and transportation expertise

Customers

JFE Steel
Steel manufacturers
Construction companies
Heavy equipment rental companies
Machinery manufacturers

Products

Large steel material transport
Trailer transport
Transfer storage
Construction site delivery
Special vehicle arrangements

Daily Sundries Logistics

Overview

Provides nationwide consumer goods logistics infrastructure, contributing to stable supply.

Competitiveness

Logistics efficiency and network expansion

Customers

Retailers
Daily goods manufacturers
Drugstore chains
E-commerce operators
Specialty stores

Products

Chain store delivery
Inventory management
Delivery planning optimization
Returns processing agency
Last-mile delivery

Moving Logistics

Overview

Nationwide moving services tailored to diverse needs.

Competitiveness

Long track record and nationwide network of bases

Customers

Corporate customers
Individual customers
Educational institutions
Medical institutions
Local governments

Products

Office moving
Household moving
Luggage storage services
Relocation consulting
Ancillary services

International Logistics

Overview

Provides safe and swift international logistics services to support overseas expansion.

Competitiveness

Strengthened collaboration with overseas local entities

Customers

Import/export companies
Manufacturers
Trading companies
Port operators
Logistics subsidiaries

Products

Customs procedures
Cargo transportation
Warehouse management
International shipping arrangements
Cargo insurance

Warehousing and Logistics Services

Overview

Deploys optimized warehousing operations and logistics management services.

Competitiveness

Business efficiency through IT utilization

Customers

Manufacturers
Distributors
Wholesalers
E-commerce operators
Third-party logistics providers

Products

Storage operations
Picking
Packing operations
Delivery arrangements
Inventory management systems

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

Versatile logistics capabilities for industrial materials and consumer goods
Highly reliable services backed by years of experience
Advanced safety management system and customs certification
Logistics network spanning domestic and international operations
Comprehensive logistics through collaboration with group companies
Regionally dense delivery network and flexible responsiveness
Integrated services from storage to delivery
Diverse vehicle fleet capable of handling various cargo types
Customized logistics proposals tailored to customer needs
Efficient management via robust IT systems
Long-term transaction relationships with key shippers
Enhanced international logistics leveraging overseas subsidiaries
Initiatives to promote environmentally considerate logistics
Thorough employee training and safety hygiene measures
Broad business lines including moving services

Competitive Advantages

Extensive experience in specialized logistics for chemicals and steel industries
Highly reliable customs operations with international certification
Business diversification across diverse customer sectors
Integrated logistics solutions leveraging group collaborations
Rapid response system via domestic and international bases
Advancing business efficiency with latest logistics IT systems
Stable revenue from strong partnerships with primary shippers
High safety evaluations and strict regulatory compliance
Diverse vehicles and equipment to meet wide-ranging needs
Service development considering environmental load reduction
Superiority in comprehensive logistics including moving and warehousing
Overseas対応力 enhanced by strengthened international network
Consulting capabilities to resolve customer-specific logistics challenges
One-stop provision of diverse logistics services
Optimal logistics construction through joint development with shippers

Threats

Profit pressure from intensifying price competition with competitors
Risk of efficiency decline due to delays in automation and digitalization
Cost increases from rising fuel prices and labor costs
Labor shortages complicating recruitment for transportation and warehousing
Risk of logistics disruptions from new infectious diseases or natural disasters
Increased equipment and operational costs from stricter environmental regulations
Impact on international logistics from unstable overseas political situations
Increased compliance costs from changes in logistics industry regulations
Concerns over information leaks from IT security risks
Potential demand decline from fluctuations in customer industries
Risk of market share loss from competitors' technological innovations
Decreased outsourcing demand from shippers' in-house logistics

Innovations

2022: Enhanced utilization of AEO Authorized Economic Operator certification

Overview: Deepening customs efficiency by leveraging AEO Authorized Economic Operator certification at export packing centers.
Impact: Achieved shorter customs clearance times and cost reductions.

2023: Logistics IT System Renewal Project

Overview: Renewing warehouse management and delivery planning systems with cutting-edge technology to improve operational efficiency.
Impact: 15% improvement in work efficiency and reduced errors.

2024: Autonomous Truck Technology Pilot Testing

Overview: Conducting pilot operations of autonomous trucks in Kanagawa Prefecture toward future unmanned operations.
Impact: Expected improvements in safety and addressing labor shortages.

2021: Expanded Introduction of Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

Overview: Introducing new hybrid and low-emission vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions.
Impact: Set target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.

2023: Warehouse Automation System Implementation

Overview: Introducing automation systems for picking and sorting at major logistics centers to enhance efficiency.
Impact: 20% boost in work efficiency and reduced human workload.

2020: New Cargo Tracking System Implementation

Overview: Introduced real-time cargo tracking system across all vehicles.
Impact: Contributed to higher customer satisfaction and fewer issues.

2022: Labor Safety and Health Management Enhancement Program

Overview: Strengthening safety education and management systems to protect employee safety and health.
Impact: Reduced incidence of work-related accidents.

2024: Multi-Modal Transportation Integrated Management System Development

Overview: Developing IT system to integrally manage land, sea, and international cargo for efficiency gains.
Impact: Expected overall logistics optimization and cost reductions.

Sustainability

Promoting hybrid vehicle adoption to reduce environmental impact
Promoting logistics center operations using renewable energy
Setting targets to reduce CO2 emissions through transportation efficiency
Protecting employee health through thorough safety and hygiene management
Participating in environmental conservation activities in collaboration with local communities
Adopting green procurement policy prioritizing environmentally friendly materials
Promoting waste reduction and recycling activities
Implementing sustainability education programs for employees
Strengthening compliance with environmental regulations for coastal shipping
Expanding introduction of energy-saving equipment