UEX

Basic Information

Stock Code
9888
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Building Materials, Electrical Equipment & Metal Wholesalers
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
January 1955
Listing Year
October 1990
Official Website
https://www.uex-ltd.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
Rasa Trading, Alconix, Soto, Fuji Kogyo, A&A Material, Kaneso, Hatsuhoshi Shoji, Okaya & Co., Hakudo, Sato & Co., Shinkokusai, Kanox, Hanwa

Overview

UEX is a leading stainless steel and titanium specialty trading company established in 1955, engaged in processing and sales as well as machinery and equipment businesses.

Current Situation

UEX recorded sales of approximately 47.4 billion yen in fiscal 2021, with main handled products being stainless steel and titanium. It has branches in Tohoku, Hokuriku, Osaka, Kyushu, and other areas domestically, maintaining a nationwide service network. It possesses a proprietary dry plasma cutting machine capable of handling 200 mm thickness and focuses on processed product manufacturing. Sumitomo Corporation and Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Steel are listed among its major shareholders. It holds solid trading relationships in the industry and strives to expand high value-added products. In the future, it plans to promote environmentally considerate processing technologies and digitalization to enhance competitiveness.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Possesses the only 200 mm thick steel plate cutting machine in Japan
  • Originated from Ueno Hanbei Shoten, a long-established store founded in 1872
  • One of the few trading companies with strength in titanium processing
  • Deploys multiple steel service centers nationwide
  • President also serves concurrently as chairman of Tokyo Stainless Steel Distribution Association
  • Major shareholders include major trading companies and special steel manufacturers
  • Multi-faceted operations including manufacturing and sales of machinery and equipment in the industry
  • Cutting processing technology evaluated as top class in Japan
  • Actively engages in community contribution activities
  • Each sales office advances services rooted in the region

Hidden Connections

  • Former trade name 'Ueno Metalex' is an English translation abbreviation of the founder's name
  • Sumitomo Corporation is a major shareholder with strong capital relations
  • President's industry influence as chairman of Tokyo Stainless Steel Circulation Association
  • Isehara Steel Service Center is nationally unique for thick steel plate cutting
  • Historically familial relationship with peer Nasu Bussan has surfaced
  • Industry networks with multiple companies originating from Ueno Hanbei Shoten
  • Steel service center operations are the source of strength in proprietary processing technology
  • Unique management system integrating steel production, wholesaling, processing, and machinery equipment business

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Stable growth in domestic special steel and stainless steel demand
  • Expansion of needs for high-function metal processing technology
  • Market expansion for environmentally regulation-compliant products
  • Advancement of automation and sophistication in manufacturing
  • Optimization of regional base networks
  • Expansion of new orders in machinery and equipment business
  • Demand for high-quality steel materials from inbound foreign companies
  • Expanded participation in sustainable materials development

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve top national share in cutting processing technology
  • 100% coverage of low environmental impact products
  • Revenue diversification and doubling of machinery and equipment business
  • Delivery efficiency improvement via digital logistics
  • Promotion of employee technology succession and human resource diversification
  • Strengthening of cooperative frameworks with domestic and overseas partners
  • Social credibility enhancement through collaboration with local communities
  • Model company for sustainable management and SDGs achievement

Business Segments

Metal Materials Wholesale

Overview
Provides high-quality metal materials to a wide range of industries and maintains a stable supply network.
Competitiveness
Strength in one-stop services from processing to sales.
Customers
  • General manufacturing
  • Construction companies
  • Machinery processing companies
  • Piping and equipment contractors
  • Automotive parts manufacturers
  • Aerospace industry
  • Chemical plant operators
Products
  • Stainless steel sheets
  • Titanium pipes
  • Alloy steel
  • Special steel materials
  • Processed products
  • Piping materials
  • Machine parts

Processed Products Manufacturing and Sales

Overview
Business of manufacturing and selling high-precision cutting processing and special metal products.
Competitiveness
Possesses the only domestic cutting technology compatible with up to 200 mm thickness.
Customers
  • Manufacturing processing divisions
  • Machinery manufacturers
  • Precision equipment manufacturers
  • Plant equipment companies
Products
  • Cutting processing services
  • Formed processed products
  • Welded products
  • Plasma cut products

Machinery and Equipment Business

Overview
Supports customer productivity improvement through design, manufacturing, and sales of metal processing equipment.
Competitiveness
High-quality machinery provision through in-house developed equipment and technology.
Customers
  • Manufacturing industry
  • Automation equipment developers
  • Engineering companies
Products
  • Stainless steel processing machinery
  • Plant equipment
  • Automation equipment

Logistics and Delivery Services

Overview
Rapid logistics services utilizing distribution centers located nationwide.
Competitiveness
Efficient and stable delivery system through multiple bases.
Customers
  • Client companies
  • Manufacturing plants
  • Construction sites
Products
  • Metal materials delivery
  • Processed products delivery
  • Logistics center management

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Domestic unique 200 mm thick cutting technology
  • Nationwide service network
  • Business model fusing processing and sales
  • Technical capabilities to flexibly respond to customer needs
  • Shareholder composition by major leading companies
  • Rich history and trust in the industry

Competitive Advantages

  • High processing capacity for high value-added products
  • Possesses branches and sales offices in major domestic regions
  • Customer base based on long-term trading relationships
  • Differentiation through introduction of advanced cutting equipment
  • Synergy with engineering business
  • Strong market responsiveness by handling diverse materials
  • Stable financial strength and credit within the industry

Threats

  • Risk of international fluctuations in steel prices
  • Fluctuations in domestic manufacturing demand
  • Decline in demand due to rise of substitute materials
  • Intensified competition from new entrants
  • Cost increases due to strengthened environmental regulations
  • Burden of equipment investment from technological innovations
  • Risk of supply chain disruptions
  • Shortage of personnel and decrease in skilled technicians

Innovations

2024: Enhanced 200 mm thick stainless steel sheet cutting technology

Overview
Further strengthened the performance of the domestic-only maximum thickness compatible dry plasma cutting machine.
Impact
Achieved expansion of large steel material processing orders and shortened delivery times

2023: Promotion of digitalization in processing operations

Overview
Implemented advanced and efficient process management through introduction of IoT sensors.
Impact
15% productivity improvement, enhanced precision in quality control

2022: Introduction of environmentally friendly processing technology

Overview
Introduced energy-saving equipment and developed waste reduction technology.
Impact
10% reduction in CO2 emissions, waste reduction effect

2021: Development of new material titanium alloy processing technology

Overview
Established processing technology for high-function titanium alloys for advanced aerospace applications.
Impact
Opened new clients and expanded market share

2020: Renewal of sales support system

Overview
Integrated and cloud-based customer management and order processing systems.
Impact
Significant improvement in sales efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction

Sustainability

  • Reduction of environmental impact through energy-saving equipment introduction
  • Promotion of recycling of processing waste materials
  • Environmental protection activities in collaboration with local communities
  • Thorough safety and health management for employee protection
  • Promotion of joint research on environmental technologies with industry associations