Apex, a long-established professional car-coating specialist, disclosed practical data such as monthly sales and profit margins at a seminar through its KeePer LABO franchise rollout. The differences between KeePer LABO and KeePer PRO SHOP also became clear, highlighting both the promise and challenges of future business development.
The background to the car-detailing market was explained as a coexistence of traditional shops that emphasize surface preparation and polishing, and KeePer Technical Laboratory Co.,Ltd.'s coating-focused model offering shorter installation times. Against this backdrop, Apex opened a new KeePer LABO-branded store in Utsunomiya in March 2025. Representative Kimio Gunji (郡司 公生) shared at a presentation the practical figures obtained through the franchise business, including average monthly sales, profit margins and hourly labor charges.
The differences between KeePer LABO and KeePer PRO SHOP were described as follows: the former is a specialist coating shop requiring all staff to hold KeePer Technical Laboratory Co.,Ltd. qualifications, while the latter operates alongside a filling station and has less stringent qualification requirements. KeePer LABO's franchise rollout has accelerated in recent years. As of October 2026, 37 of its 188 stores were operated by external companies, although the business had previously been centered on company-operated stores.
The presentation also touched on the teacher-student relationship between Apex and KeePer Technical Laboratory Co.,Ltd.'s founder, as well as their training background. Their common source of learning was said to be the training sessions led by Yasuo Takagi (髙木 靖夫). It was also reported that the two had opportunities to meet, and the differing approaches to polishing and improving painted surfaces were said to have ultimately strengthened the brand.
While KeePer Technical Laboratory Co.,Ltd.'s product-sales business, including sales of coating agents to new-car dealers, is growing, Apex's growth is centered on the labor-intensive installation of coatings. In response to increasing competition, Representative Gunji (郡司) emphasized a dual-track management approach centered on differentiation and talent development, saying that improving personal character would be fundamental to customers' choices.
The underlying objective of this dual-track management approach was described as achieving both the highest level of workmanship and customer acquisition and efficiency through brand strength. The company indicated that it intends to continue leading the car-detailing industry.