Sagami Heavy Industries: A Timeline of Innovation

1953

Shojiro Ishii Begins His Journey: Shojiro Ishii, born into a family of former samurai retainers from the Odawara domain, starts as an apprentice at a plastic factory in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture. His hard work and dedication quickly make him a key figure in production and machinery maintenance.

1960s

Japan's Economic Boom: Japan experiences rapid economic growth during the Showa Boom, driven by industrial demand. Shojiro Ishii recognizes the potential in the injection molding machine industry.

1966: Shojiro Ishii returns to his hometown in Kanagawa Prefecture and establishes Sagami Heavy Industries, named after the ancient name of Kanagawa. The company aims to produce molding equipment tailored to the needs of Japan's small plastic factories.

1969: After three years of relentless effort, Sagami Heavy Industries develops its first small hydraulic injection molding machine. Despite its simplicity, the machine gains popularity for its user-friendly operation and ergonomic design, laying the foundation for the company's market presence.

1970s

Expansion of Product Line: By the mid-1970s, Sagami Heavy Industries expands its product line to include small, medium, and large hydraulic plastic molding equipment, earning a strong reputation in the Keihin Industrial Zone.

1980s

Hiroshi Ishii Takes the Helm: Facing the challenges of the first oil crisis, Hiroshi Ishii, Shojiro's successor and a graduate of Waseda University in electrical automation, leads the company into a new era of innovation.

Introduction of CAD/CAM Systems: Hiroshi introduces CAD/CAM systems and modular production concepts, significantly improving the design and manufacturing efficiency of standard injection molding machines while reducing costs.

Development of Electric Injection Molding Machines: Recognizing the demand for high precision and oil-free operations in automotive and appliance manufacturing, Hiroshi spearheads the development of electric injection molding machines, which offer superior energy efficiency, cleanliness, and control precision.

2005s

Transformation into a Corporation: Hiroshi Ishii transforms Sagami Heavy Industries into a corporation, attracting social investment and expanding production capacity. The brand "Ishii Precision" begins to expand beyond the Keihin-Tokai region, increasing its influence.

2010s

Yuta Ishii Leads the Company: Entering the 21st century, Yuta Ishii, the third-generation leader with a background in business from Kyoto University, takes the helm. Under his leadership, the company embarks on a transformative journey toward smart manufacturing.

Development of Intelligent Injection Molding Machines: Sagami Heavy Industries develops intelligent injection molding machines integrated with IoT, big data analytics, and AI technologies, offering remote monitoring, fault prediction, and automatic process adjustment capabilities.

"Smart Manufacturing + Service" Model: The company adopts a new business model, providing comprehensive lifecycle services from equipment selection and installation to production optimization and after-sales maintenance, earning high praise from clients.

Global Expansion: In response to Japan's industrial outflow, Sagami Heavy Industries expands its focus overseas, pursuing technical collaborations and licensed production to enhance its global presence. The company actively establishes production centers in East Asia and South America.