In Japan, manufacturing of the highest quality is a matter of tradition and standards—there are no shortcuts or easy answers.
For Sanshin Metal Working Co., Ltd., pursuing these standards for over 60 years has helped propel the firm to success in a wide range of industries with its diverse products and services. The company’s reputation may have been built on its storage systems and rack products, but the agile SME is also now building on its logistics expertise by developing digital solutions and constantly innovating to stay ahead of the competition. According to Senior Managing Director Hiroyuki Arai, this commitment to success is inspired by the Japanese business tenet monozukuri, which means prioritizing the best possible quality and customer service. The company’s output includes metal shelving, stacking racks, laboratory systems and equipment, as well as architectural components, including multistorey car park sections. “Monozukuri allows us to create customized solutions tailored to each client’s specific requirements. Our management is consistently focused on meeting the unique needs of the few rather than just catering to the majority,” said Arai.
With its specialized shelving and storage products, the business has long been closely tied to logistics developments in Japan and further afield. With that industry enjoying a massive surge in business due to post-COVID digitization, Sanshin has been helping steer the sector through its digital evolution. As the largest steel rack manufacturer in Japan, the firm produces upwards of 50,000 tons of equipment per year, well ahead of its rivals. Its developments include DX (Digital Transformation) with smart and movable racks, processing and inventory items with AI and IoT (Internet of Things) connected technology. “The logistics industry has become a cornerstone for Japanese businesses, ensuring efficient handling and shipping. It has been instrumental in advancing the digital shift by embracing DX initiatives,” said Arai. “We provide cutting-edge rack management systems for our warehouses, and safety remains a top priority,” he added. With the region’s history of natural disasters, such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, seismic safety is a major factor in the firm’s R&D. While many buildings in Japan are built to withstand such events, there remains significant danger from falling and tipping racks and containers. Sanshin has spent years developing resilience solutions. “The safety and security of both products and operations are vitally important, which is why we’ve focused on implementing anti-seismic equipment to protect our employees, facilities and inventory,” said Arai. “We have experienced these needs firsthand after being present at the Fukushima factory during the devastating 2011 earthquake. We have set very strict standards for R&D, ensuring that our products meet the highest levels of data-backed quality,” he added.
This innovative, cutting-edge technology is just the start for a company with grand ambitions. These include sustainable practices for “green plant farms” developed with agricultural clients that come with solar power options. Given its successful work in hardware and real-world solutions, Sanshin is also pioneering digital processes that can help make logistics even smoother. The firm has developed warehouse automation systems Xaicoss and 5S KeePer to help clients manage their stock and delivery concerns. This has also led to the development of a new remote maintenance system, which monitors equipment and services. “In our case, we have expertise in both hardware and software, and by combining those capabilities, we want to collaborate with major companies like SAP to provide the best solutions for SMEs in the logistics industry. Thanks to these innovations, we have gained a strong reputation for delivering tailored, reliable solutions to our customers,” said Arai.
