The number of facilities manufacturing molds is declining, reportedly due to the development of China’s mold industry and the expansion of overseas orders. Chairman Matsuno (松野) of 松野金型製作所 has expressed concern that, in a few years, Japan’s manufacturing expertise could come under overseas influence.
Regarding the decline in the number of facilities responsible for mold manufacturing, Chairman Matsuno (松野) of 松野金型製作所 warned that Japan’s manufacturing expertise could be lost and that the country could eventually be at the mercy of overseas players. The article reports on the current state and underlying factors of the mold industry, as well as the need to consider measures for the future.
One factor cited is the movement by manufacturers that place orders to shift work overseas. China, in particular, has fostered its mold industry as a national policy, enhancing its competitiveness through 24-hour factory operations and low labor costs. The price gap between Japanese and Chinese companies is substantial, and the difference in lead times and costs is reportedly influencing decisions even when Japanese-made molds are considered.
While conveying the sense of crisis facing Japan’s mold industry, the article cites voices from the field pointing to “the shift of orders overseas and the advantages of Chinese-made products” as the causes of the sharp decline. It concludes that measures are needed to preserve the transfer of Japan’s technology to future generations.