Innovators of domestic 3D printers. Empowering all through machines and opportunities, fostering a company where anyone can lead.
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Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd.
- A machinery manufacturer committed to end-to-end manufacturing, encompassing the design, manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of custom-built machinery.
Haruki Ejiri
- Prefecture
- Aichi
- Business Activities
- A machinery manufacturer committed to end-to-end manufacturing, encompassing the design, manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of custom-built machinery.
- Company Name
- Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd.
- Representative Name
- Haruki Ejiri
- Location
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〒490-1101
275-1, Horyo Kitaura, Ama-shi, Aichi, Japan
- Phone Number
- 052-442-0111
- Website
Factory Stories
Beliefs Embodied in the Company Name
Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Ama City, Aichi Prefecture.
"Although established in 1979, we operated as a sole proprietorship under the name 'Ejiri Seisakusho' for 10 years prior to that."
The founder was Tomikichi Ejiri, father of the current president, Haruki Ejiri.
The Ejiri family originally lived in Nagano Prefecture, but after a fire, they made a new start in Aichi Prefecture.
Naming the company 'Shinano Kogyo' was not just about the Ejiri family's roots in Shinano.
" There's also the desire to be a company that earns deep trust from our customers, as the characters 'Shin' (信) from 'Shinrai' (信頼, trust) and 'No' (濃) from 'Koi' (濃い, deep/thick) suggest, aiming to build strong, deep relationships."
Starting with turning of parts for major manufacturers like Toyota, we have steadily built trust and a strong track record.
Integrated Parts Manufacturing
For current parts manufacturing, we provide integrated services, relying very little on outsourcing.
"We used to outsource in the past. But deliveries wouldn't arrive by the deadline. When we asked, they'd say, 'We're not doing this yet!' So we decided to do it all ourselves!"
Handling all processes in-house is a significant burden, and all mistakes become our responsibility. However, this is precisely why our employees have a different sense of urgency and commitment.
Furthermore, even if things don't go well, we can redo them, and all of that accumulates as valuable experience.
"Currently, about 60% of our total sales come from parts manufacturing, but we aim to increase the proportion of machine manufacturing, which accounts for the remaining 40%, and become a machine manufacturer."
This is to leverage our unique strengths, as these are not products anyone can make just by having the same drawing.
One-of-a-Kind Machine Design and Manufacturing
The term 'Brain Trust' is used in Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd.'s company motto and management philosophy.
The stance of designing and manufacturing one-of-a-kind products to solve customer problems and realize their aspirations is reflected in the term 'Brain Trust'.
In a transaction with a certain beverage manufacturer that boosted Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd.'s growth, we were in charge of prototyping the die/mold for the diamond-cut processing applied to cans.
" When that product went on sale, I went to the store to see it being sold. It made me happy to think, 'We made this!'"
We believe that to survive, it is necessary to devise solutions, utilize technology, and master unique manufacturing to realize the ideals envisioned by our customers.
Becoming a 3D Printer Manufacturer
The embodiment of our unique manufacturing is the 3D printer we developed in-house. We were able to complete it in less than a year since starting development in 2023.
"Leveraging our existing technology, building a 3D printer itself isn't difficult. The challenge was component supply."
For one-of-a-kind custom machines, there's no need to consider stable supply routes for components. However, for 3D printers sold continuously, a continuous supply of components is necessary.
"After repeated consideration, all components ended up being made in Japan."
The completed 3D printer has received orders from manufacturing industries, schools, and others. Recently, we have sold more than 5 units per year, and our current goal is to exceed 10 units sold annually.
Regarding sales, partnering with a resin sales company that also acts as a distributor for overseas 3D printers and entrusting them with sales efforts seems to have been successful.
Aiming to Catch Up on a 10-Year Lag
Haruki focused on 3D printers because he felt their adoption in Japan was lagging compared to the rest of the world.
"Japan is 10 years behind in how 3D printers are used. I wanted to make up for that lag."
Overseas products are also distributed in Japan. However, they tend to be fragile, and there are concerns about the difficulty of inquiries and repairs with overseas support.
Furthermore, users seeking precision and stability seem to find the performance unsatisfactory.
On the other hand, the 3D printer developed by Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd. achieves an accuracy of ±0.05mm. It is also less prone to breakage, and in case of an emergency, support is available with just one phone call. Its strength also lies in the stable supply of components, as they are all made in Japan.
The 3D printer thus created by Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd. has also generated a positive effect: employees now "take pride in being a 3D printer manufacturer" and can stand tall.
Expanding Possibilities with 3D Printers
" Don't you think 3D printers are a bundle of possibilities? If people who can't work outside can engage in manufacturing and boost productivity, the world will change, won't it?"
For example, people who find commuting difficult due to childcare, nursing care, or disabilities can participate in production from home. 3D printers have the potential to expand workplaces.
Haruki also believes it expands the possibilities for the factory's sales activities.
"Even our existing customers don't know what our factory can do. I think 3D printers are the best tool to create opportunities to convey that."
Even if we are confident in our technology and know we can perform various types of processing, customers won't place orders if they don't know about it.
3D printers expand the scope of our in-house processing while also serving as a tool to communicate our processing technology to customers.
A Company Where Anyone Can Work, Through Machines and Opportunities
Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd. has a vision of 'Becoming a comprehensive machine manufacturer where anyone can work.'
"We want to be a company where anyone can work, regardless of disability, nationality, or age, as long as they agree with our philosophy and code of conduct."
Behind this aspiration is the existence of his younger brother, who had a severe intellectual disability.
Having many opportunities to interact with his brother and other people with disabilities and their families made him seriously consider what they could do.
And when his brother passed away, it was his friends with disabilities, just like his brother, who grieved most purely.
"What manufacturing can do is create machines that can be operated even by people with disabilities, and provide opportunities to work at our company."
The 3D printer is also one part of creating an environment where 'anyone can work.'
Transitioning from Family Management to a Company to Be Proud Of
Haruki aims to be a supportive presence rooted in the community, maintaining a "miso soup distance" – close enough to share warmth.
"I want to solve the problems of our neighbors and become a place of refuge. And I want to make it a company where employees can proudly tell their children what they do."
To achieve this, Haruki undertook drastic reforms to break away from family management.
"My father led the company and fostered its growth since its founding. However, there were remnants of old-fashioned, one-man management. There were also inappropriate practices by current standards, such as overtime and taking paid leave. But I wanted to put an end to that."
Thus, Haruki, despite intense conflicts with his family, worked on transforming the management system, breaking away from family management and evolving into a company where "anyone can become president."
"Both technologically and socially, only companies that can adapt to change will survive. I believe that's how we will become a truly unique company in the world."
He foresees a future where instead of competing for jobs, "it will be an era where we collaborate to create work together."
Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd., founded on "trust," is now moving forward as a company that continues to evolve and connect to the next generation.
Shinano Kogyo Co., Ltd.
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