Tensho Electric Industries is set for global growth, leveraging its expertise in plastics manufacturing, expanding into EV components and prioritizing sustainability to meet the evolving demands of multiple industries worldwide.
By Sasha Lauture and Cian O Neill
Tensho Electric Industries, a long-established leader in Japan’s plastics industry, is set for expansion under its new president, Kensuke Fujimoto. Founded in 1936, the company specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of plastic products and molds for a range of industries, such as automotives, home appliances, logistics and office equipment.
Having built up decades of know-how in plastic molding and resin technology, Tensho is known for the high-quality products that have enabled it to become a trusted supplier for a wide portfolio of clients. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 1961, the company boasts a manufacturing system that supports mass production while ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction. Tensho’s deep experience in manufacturing and its six production locations across Japan, including Ryumai Plastic, have allowed it to develop in-house talent and cultivate the expertise to cope with an extensive variety of requests from its customers. Furthermore, Tensho’s presence in local markets facilitates expedited services to its clients while keeping logistical costs low.
“Tensho’s strength is that we have a long history of product manufacturing with a sturdy foundation of mold creation and molding technology,” Mr. Fujimoto states. From resin welding methods such as vibration and hotplate welding, to advanced molding techniques including forming technology, plus emCo and E-Mold, Tensho produces unmatched quality and reliability in both industrial and consumer goods.
Mr. Fujimoto, who took office in June 2024, brings experience from his previous role as president of Prime Polymer, Japan’s top polypropylene manufacturer. Under his leadership, Tensho is focused on producing lighter, more sustainable plastic components, as industries shift from metal to plastic. “Plastics themselves are increasingly moving toward polypropylene, which is lightweight and environmentally friendly. This polypropylene is the core material that we use to manufacture our products,” he says.
TenRain system reduces impact of flooding
The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a significant opportunity for Tensho. As automakers restructure production, they increasingly outsource lightweight plastic components—with weight reduction critical for efficiency and range—to specialized suppliers like Tensho.
While automotives remain a key focus, Tensho also creates products for home appliances, office furniture and logistics containers, among others. One highlight product is TenRainScrum, a highly durable rainwater harvesting system that reduces the impact of flooding. “With global warming, there have been sudden thunderstorms and so-called guerrilla rain happening across Japan,” the president explains. “In order to protect the land, we created our TenRainScrum product. We think this will be increasingly important and we expect growing demand.”
Sustainability is central to Tensho’s strategy. The company recycles excess materials from production by crushing and reintegrating them into the manufacturing process. It has also upgraded its injection molding systems from hydraulic to electric, boosting both productivity and environmental performance. “Being environmentally sound is the biggest theme we currently have,” says Mr. Fujimoto. “We will introduce a greenhouse gas reduction target and aim to position ourselves as an environmentally friendly company.”
Global expansion is a key part of Tensho’s growth strategy. The company recently strengthened its presence in North America by upgrading its Mexican factory and opening a second plant in 2022, focused on producing containers. In China, meanwhile, Tensho aims to partner with molding companies to further expand its presence there. “In the North American markets, there is a growing need for Sanko containers and pallets,” Mr. Fujimoto adds. “Sanko is our biggest shareholder and the U.S. market is much larger than the Japanese market, so with the growing demand for these containers and pallets, we wish to supply our plastic products and provide services to American manufacturers and consumers.”
With a strong foundation in plastics technology, a commitment to sustainability and ongoing global expansion, Tensho Electric Industries is well positioned for future growth. Under Mr. Fujimoto’s leadership, the company is embracing the opportunities presented by the EV revolution and the growing demand for environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
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