To a future that resonates with the heart - HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC.
If you live in Kurashiki, you may have heard this phrase from a television commercial at least once.
HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC. (hereinafter referred to as "HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES"), widely known for its blue sheets and civil engineering materials, provides blue sheets that excel in weather resistance and strength, which are utilized in a wide range from domestic disaster sites to overseas agricultural material markets.
Furthermore, in Mizushima, where its headquarters is located, the company actively engages in cleaning activities and environmental protection in collaboration with schools and local organizations, continuing to grow together with the community.
We interviewed about the history and technology of HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES, its relationship with the community, and its outlook for the future.
What is HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES?
Founded in 1962 in Mizushima, Kurashiki City, HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES is a company that has developed its business based on synthetic fiber processing technology.
Originally rooted in the wholesaler of "goza," Hagiwara Shoten, the company has adapted to changes in the times by manufacturing synthetic resin products, industrial materials, and civil engineering materials, starting with blue sheets.
Currently, the company has production and sales bases in 14 countries worldwide. In Mizushima, where the headquarters and main factory are located, it plays a central role in research and development as well as manufacturing.
With approximately 1,300 employees, it is a "Kurashiki-based" manufacturer that develops its business with a global perspective while being rooted in the community.
Challenges that started from "goza"
The southern part of Okayama Prefecture, including Kurashiki City and Hayashima Town, was once the center of igusa production in Japan.
In the 1960s, Okayama Prefecture accounted for about 80% of the national production, with most of it being produced around Kurashiki.
The roots of HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES lie in this igusa culture.
In 1961, "Hagiwara Shoten," a wholesaler of flower goza located in Nishi-Achi, Kurashiki City, constructed the Mizushima factory to produce polyethylene yarn as a substitute for cotton yarn used as warp threads for flower goza.
Then, in the following year, 1962, the Mizushima factory became independent, and "HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES" was established.
Lives protected by blue sheets
When it comes to HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES' representative product, it is the blue sheet.
Lightweight and highly waterproof, it can be used for various purposes such as covering and wrapping items, making it an indispensable presence in daily life and disaster sites.
It is often used for picnic mats during cherry blossom viewing, as well as in local sports days and festivals, and is relied upon in various aspects of life.
Additionally, it is useful for emergency roof repairs during leaks, as well as for protecting damaged buildings and securing temporary spaces during disasters.
The production of blue sheets began in the 1960s.
Its prototype was born as a tarp to cover the cargo area of trucks from major transportation companies.
What is not widely known is that this blue sheet is actually a woven material.
If you look closely at the surface, you can see that the warp and weft threads intersect, making it a truly "woven material".
Flat yarn technology spreading to the world
The foundation of blue sheets, soundproof sheets, and weed control sheets is a long, tape-like fiber called flat yarn.
By weaving this flat yarn, lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant products are created. HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES possesses top-class technology in this field in Japan, and its products are exported overseas.
Moreover, because the company manufactures its own machines for producing flat yarn, it also engages in the manufacturing and sales of industrial machinery that applies this technology.
Products used in various sites around the world are born from Kurashiki.
Towards a circular economy in manufacturing
HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES values the importance of taking responsibility not only for "making" but also for what happens "after use."
The horizontal recycling business that collects used blue sheets, cleans, crushes, and reprocesses them back into raw materials is one such initiative.
By effectively utilizing limited resources, the company contributes to a sustainable society.
As the only listed company rooted in Mizushima
HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES, which produces blue sheets on a top scale in Japan, is located in Mizushima, Kurashiki City, known as an industrial area.
While many companies have moved their headquarters to Tokyo or Osaka, HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES is the only listed company that remains rooted in Kurashiki City, including its headquarters.
Additionally, through sponsorship and disaster support activities, the company fulfills its social responsibility while valuing its connection with local residents.
We spoke with Yoshida Junichi and Yagi Tatsuhiro from HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES about these initiatives and the company's philosophy as a community-rooted enterprise.
Data of HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC.
| Organization Name | HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing and sales of industrial machinery using synthetic resin fibers "Flat Yarn" made primarily from polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as related products and slitter technology applying Flat Yarn technology. |
| Representative Name | Asano Kazushi |
| Year Established | 1962 (Showa 37) November 29 |
| Address | 1-4 Nakado, Mizushima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-440-0860 |
| Website | HAGIHARA INDUSTRIES INC. |
