Hose maker Nichirin integrating 500 robotic units at facilities worldwide

Kobe, Japan – Rubber hose manufacturer Nichirin Co. Ltd is planning a major automation programme as part of a strategy to expand its overseas manufacturing footprint.

The programme will include the integration of a planned 500 robotic units on the production lines within its global production plants*, said Hiroyuki Soga, Nichirin president & representative director.

Kobe-based Nichirin is largely focused on the manufacture of hose products for automotive vehicles and motorbikes, while also serving industrial, construction and consumer markets.

The automation push will be supported by a hub of experts with a remit to “seamlessly integrate” the automated equipment at each factory, said the Japanese group's leader. 

Nichirin is striving to increase international sales as it approaches its 110^th anniversary next year, Soga noted in a sponsored Time magazine article – published as a news item on Nichirin’s website.

The domestic market, he said, currently represents about 30% of Nichirin’s revenues, with Japanese vehicle makers in the ASEAN region providing another 30%.

For the financial year to 31 Dec 2022, the Japanese group reported sales of Yen64,172 million (€404 million) and operating profit of Yen7,678 million.

*Nichirin operates manufacturing facilities in:

China – Changshu, Jiangsu (automotive hoses) and Shanghai (rubber and resin piping/hoses)

India – Ballabhgarh, Faridabad, Haryana (automotive hoses)

Indonesia – Ciampel Karawang, Jawa Barat (automotive hoses)

Japan – Himeji-shi, Toyo-cho, Toyotomi-cho, Toyo Fujinoki (automotive hose parts); Tsu City Hakusan Town Yamadano (automotive hoses); Hyogo Prefecture Himeji City Bessho-cho Sato (automotive hoses)

Vietnam – Viet Yen Dist., Bac Giang province (automotive hoses)

Spain – Palamos, Gerona (automotive hoses)

hoses); Chihuahua, Mexico (automotive hoses)

Thailand – Tambol Klong Nueng, Amphur Klong Luang, Patumtanee (automotive hoses)

The US – El Paso, Texas (automotive hoses); Lewisburg, Tennessee (automotive hoses).