Molten Corporation, a manufacturer of rubber parts for athletic balls and automobiles, has developed a high-damping laminated rubber bearing for use in seismic isolation construction, and has obtained ministerial approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for designated building materials under Article 37 of the Building Standards Law. Molten’s MHR1500 high-damping laminated rubber bearing, which was...
Products
Japan Glove Manufacturers Association Publishes 2024 Glove Sales Volumes
According to the 2024 Japanese domestic glove sales volume statistics compiled by the Japan Glove Manufacturers Association, household glove sales reached 73.253 million pairs, down 1% year-on-year, nearly flat. Nitrile gloves alone grew by 14%, but cautious buying due to a sluggish market continued to suppress demand post-COVID. Ultra-thin gloves (excluding medical use) totaled 5.405 billion pieces, up 6% and...
Nitta launches Phase 2 of Shift2030 Management Plan
Belt, hose and tube manufacturer Nitta has launched Phase 2 of its medium- to long-term management plan Shift2030, covering fiscal years 2025–2027. The growth strategy, centered on manufacturing, focuses on strengthening existing businesses and exploring new ones, accelerating global expansion with North America and India as key markets, and aiming for consolidated sales exceeding 1 trillion yen ($6.54 billion), targeting...
Bando Provides Update on EV Tech, Focusing on Quietness and Heat Management
Bando Chemical recently held a webinar for distributors and users proposing its technology for EV mobility with regard to quietness and thermal management. With the recent shift to EVs, there is a growing demand for countermeasures against noise generated around the drive unit, which until now has been hidden by the engine noise. In addition, heat generation factors are increasing...
Hokkaido Rubber Industry Receives Award for New Foam Rubber Mat
Hokkaido Rubber Industry has received an industrial technology award sponsored by the Sorachi Shinkin Industrial and Cultural Promotion Fund for developing a foam rubber mat based on the concept of providing peace of mind underfoot at standing work. The award-winning mat was created after consultation with a telecommunications construction company, Tsuken Corporation. The product has moderate resilience, heat insulation performance,...
Rubber Hose Production Down First Time in Four Years: Japan Rubber Hose Manufacturers Association
According to data compiled by the Japan Rubber Hose Manufacturers Association based on Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) statistics, production and shipments of rubber hoses in 2024 totaled 31,662 tons in new rubber volume, down 6.6% from the previous year, and shipments were 135.83 billion yen ($914.26 million), down 4.5%. This was the first time in four years...