Behind the scenes: Nambu’s innovative hydraulic cylinders, solving specific industry challenges

“Over the next eight years, our objective is to acquire comprehensive technologies and assemble an exceptional team of engineers capable of meeting the growing market needs.”

Takahide Nomura, President, NAMBU Co., Ltd.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and the needs of customers often drive business innovation. Japanese hydraulic cylinder manufacturer Nambu’s made-to-order approach focused on client demands has placed it at the vanguard of its industry.

Founded in 1941, Nambu’s central product lines are hydraulic cylinders and rotary joints, primarily for use in molds and dies in industrial machinery. The company’s business model focuses on actively listening to and collaborating with its customers in a made-to-order approach. This understanding of its customers’ needs has seen Nambu expand into other areas, such as manufacturing rotary joints, equipment parts, limit switches and a range of sensors, as it moves towards becoming a total solutions provider.

One of the company’s flagship products is the e-Zero. Company President Takahide Nomura explains the e-Zero uses electro-hydraulic actuators instead of conventional hydraulic systems and controllability through an electric servo motor. This energy-on-demand system rotates the pump only when thrust is needed and can reduce electricity by 90% compared to conventional systems.

This type of innovation saw Nambu selected as a Global Niche Top 100 company by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2014. Moreover, its pioneering technology has enabled Nambu to expand globally, and the company now has six production bases in countries such as China, Thailand and the United States. Mr. Nomura explains that Nambu’s hydraulic cylinders for dies have performed particularly well in overseas markets, and Nambu is always looking for the best way to provide it products and services to customers in each country.