Kobayashi (小林), a Senior Executive Officer of Toyo Kanetsu, discussed the challenges and prospects for mechanization and automation in logistics. The company plans to make its logistics solutions business independent through conversion to a holding company next April, accelerating WMS integration and the use of AI.
Toyo Kanetsu provides comprehensive material-handling solutions for warehouses, covering receiving, storage, picking, sorting and shipping. In addition to its own products, the company combines equipment from Japan and overseas, has set out a policy of strengthening WMS integration, and places emphasis on open innovation.
Recognizing the importance of receiving and storage, the company acquired 3 logistics-focused software companies through M&A to expand its WMS-centered solutions. It is establishing its own maintenance structure and prioritizes the stable operation of mission-critical logistics equipment.
Through conversion to a holding company next April, the company will make its logistics solutions business independent, creating alliance opportunities and accelerating decision-making. Revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2026 is expected to be ¥59.6 billion overall, including approximately ¥35 billion from logistics solutions. The target for logistics solutions is ¥40 billion for fiscal 2027.
The company sees Japan's labor shortage as an opportunity and expects demand for labor-saving and automation solutions to expand, while actively promoting the use of AI, including by providing licenses to all employees. It is preparing for overseas expansion, mainly in Southeast Asia, while assessing local needs.
The company is strengthening its service structure to deliver logistics operations that do not stop by leveraging 15 customer centers across Japan. It indicated a policy of building systems suited to customers' operations through collaboration and co-creation, rather than viewing competitors merely as rivals.