Cover Story pneumatic actuators and KCV series control valves , which will form the mainstay of our automatic instrumentation valve offering .” Additionally , KITZ will continue to focus on developing severe service valves that can provide solutions for customers ’ challenging applications . Features already available include extreme temperature , erosive , abrasive and high-cycle applications . Naturally KITZ remains fully aware of evolving standards . “ Nowadays , standards for fugitive emissions , such as ISO and API , are becoming increasingly strict . Especially for ammonia and hydrogen . We ensure our industrial products are certified to comply with these standards ,” says Mr Sugita . Finally , Mr Sugita notes KITZ ’ s exceptionally wide range of PFA-lined valves . “ We can fulfil almost all of the valve needs of the functional chemicals arena . We would like to explore more niche needs and expand our products into a wider market .”
Widening the portfolio
In 2024 , KITZ organised conventions in Tokyo and Osaka to update stakeholders on the company ’ s ability to deliver tailored solutions in specific market segments .
Mr Kohno : “ We realised that many people were unaware of our combined capabilities . The KITZ Group has 35 member companies , making numerous products marketed under a wide range of brands . We hadn ’ t held such a convention since 1989 , so felt it was time to reconnect with customers and raise our profile .” Mr Kohno was delighted with the response and turnout of the conventions . “ We welcomed almost 5,000 people ! The conventions helped us to connect even more closely with customers and confirmed our commitment to the new BU . We will continue to participate at exhibitions but see real merit in organising our own events , both in Japan and overseas .” Looking ahead , Mr Kohno indicates that KITZ will continue to boost customer engagement . “ We must justify clients ’ trust in us . That means being more responsive , making fast decisions and continuing to offer innovative products that will add value to their systems . We expect that the groundwork undertaken during the first medium-term management plan will quickly come into bloom , as will the new products and capital investments .”
And perhaps most tellingly , Mr Kohno concludes by highlighting how KITZ Group is developing its portfolio in width as well as depth . “ For decades , our sole focus has been on valves . Now we are expanding our offering to include equipment and devices and even going so far as to do engineering . For example , did you know we now manufacture industrial filters , have a range of hydrogen generators and offer water treatment systems ? Well , suppose a customer is planning to build a new factory and wishes to have green systems for energy and water . In that case , KITZ would like to be a company that can contribute to the infrastructure that supports lifelines such as electricity , gas and water , for example by installing solar power generation units , providing storage batteries , installing hydrogen generation equipment , and installing groundwater purification systems etc . Valves are the core of our business , but we are also a company that can contribute to society in many other areas . We are passionate about expanding into new fields . I believe this creativity and determination are amongst KITZ ’ s key strengths and will help us , and our customers , to ‘ Change the Flow ’.” www . valve-world . net Valve World March 2025
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