Gates Unitta Asia Co. has launched the U-550, a new product in its lineup of sonic belt tension meters. The U-550 employs a microphone to perceive the natural-frequency sound waves generated by belts, then analyzes these waves using a computer. The process here makes it possible for anyone to easily and accurately measure a belt’s tension without the need for...
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Toyoda Gosei Transitions to Renewable Energy at Three Japanese Locations
Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. (TYO:7282) has switched over to getting all of its energy from renewables at three locations across Japan, making the shift here at its World Headquarters, its Inabe Plant and its Miyoshi Distribution Center. Toyoda Gosei has already been cutting down on its overall energy use via a number of energy-saving initiatives. This has seen the company...
Michelin Japan Works on 3D Printing Platform in Gunma
Nihon Michelin Tire Co. Ltd. is working on a joint project to set up a 3D printing platform in Gunma, with full-scale operations here set to begin next spring. Those working with Nihon Michelin on this include a local manufacturer, Gunma University, Gunma Prefecture, the cities of Maebashi and Ota, and a local trade center run by the Japan External...
Shin-Etsu Chemical Plans 20B Yen Investment to Boost Eco-Friendly Production
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (TYO:4063) is looking to invest a total of 20 billion yen ($181.1 million) into its silicone business to cut down on CO2 emissions. Half of this total will go toward improving manufacturing processes, while the other half will be used as capital investments to bolster production capacity for eco-friendly products. For its efforts on the manufacturing...
Bridgestone to Boost Tire Production in Brazil
The Brazilian arm of Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) has announced plans to bolster production of passenger car and light truck tires at a plant it runs in the state of Bahia. Investment into the expansion here is set to total approximately 700 million Brazilian real ($138.57 million), with construction work to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021. The project will...
Tokyo Zairyo Sees Business Results Drop Due to COVID-19, US–China Trade Tensions
Tokyo Zairyo Co. Ltd. has posted its business results for fiscal 2020, showing a hit to its performance across the board. Sales revenue for the raw materials-focused trading firm fell 10.4 percent year-on-year to 77.7 billion yen ($699.65 million), while ordinary profit fell 27.2 percent to 1.9 billion yen and net profit fell 35.5 percent to 1.35 billion yen. In...

