Cover Story
SHIN Global
As of 2025 , KITZ is internally promoting the concept of “ SHIN Global ” for its second-term management plan . SHIN stands for Strong will , Harmony , Innovation , Network . Mr Kohno explains : “ We need to go forward with a strong will . We are working together with all group companies , which requires harmony . Innovation is essential for if we cannot create something new , we cannot survive or grow ; we must always value the network we have with various stakeholders , including customers , as that is what supports us .”
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Did you know … that
KITZ manufactures more than 90,000 varieties of valves to meet customer needs ?”
on the new hydrogen business . In addition , KITZ will not limit itself to hydrogen valves , but will expand its business area to engineering , including the sale and installation of units that combine equipment in accordance with customer needs .”
Global presence
KITZ remains determined to provide continuity of service to all customers , whatever the notions of market forces .
In practical terms , this means investing in production locations in multiple countries – hence the newly-opened Vietnam factory . “ Together with our existing factories in Thailand , we can now provide a more extensive range of valves to customers throughout the ASEAN region – which incidentally is a target market for us . Competition is robust , but we can compete on the basis of quality , performance and added value . Potentials include building facilities and the data centres which are starting to be established in the region .” Demographics can also lead to changes in demand for valves . Mr Kohno : “ KITZ originally established an Indian office in 2009 and acquired Micro Pneumatics , an Indian industrial valve manufacturer with strengths in pharmaceuticals and food , in 2015 . In 2024 , we will establish a local sales company , which we consider to be an important base for the KITZ Group . We aim to expand the Indian market by further developing the technical products of each company in the KITZ Group in cooperation with Micro Pneumatics and the local sales company .” KITZ has also raised its presence in the Middle East with a marketing office in Dubai . Comments Mr Kohno : “ The region has obviously been dominated by oil and gas activity but now Saudi Arabia amongst others is launching renewable energy projects and building mega-solar plants . KITZ group products can be used to enter various markets there as well , so the Middle East is another focus area for us .” Of course , KITZ is alert to the needs of customers in mature markets , such as Europe , China and the USA . Comments Mr Sugita : “ We have two production locations in Europe . Interesting local markets include semiconductors , data centres and automobile plants . Further , we anticipate that multiple segments will continue to grow in the USA , at least up to 2030 . These include oil and gas , renewable energy , the automobile sector , semiconductors , building construction , etc .” When asked how valve requirements for buildings were changing , Mr Kohno says : “ Materials for the actual buildings may remain the same , but piping methods and materials are evolving rapidly . There is increasing emphasis on issues such as greater convenience , durability , simpler construction , automatic control and IOT , for example . KITZ is responding with new products and new ways of using them .”
Valve innovations
As a customer-centric company , KITZ uses customer feedback to initiate upgrades to existing product lines and develop new ranges . Says Mr Sugita : “ For our industrial customers , we are currently working on valves for automation and instrumentation . Recently we announced our BX series
10 Valve World March 2025 www . valve-world . net