やまや relocated its headquarters and 4 factories to an industrial park in Sasaguri. The new factory introduces automation, including AI-powered automated sorting, and aims to welcome visitors with factory tours, a food court and a market.
やまやコミュニケーションズ, which manufactures and sells mentaiko, relocated its headquarters in Matsushima, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, and all 4 factories to the Sasaguri-Kita District Industrial Park in Sasaguri, Kasuya District. The relocation was completed in April 2023, and the company aims to improve production and transportation efficiency and revitalize the local area through a factory housing its new head office functions.
The new factory is advancing automation by introducing an AI-powered automated raw-material sorting system, automatic weighing and filling machines, an automated packaging line and a robotic palletizer. Biogas power generation facilities have also been installed on site to promote the effective use of industrial waste and strengthen the company’s response to the SDGs.
The company plans to open factory tours, a food court, a market and mentaiko marinating experiences to the public, and aims to welcome visitors and revitalize the local area in cooperation with Sasaguri. In addition to its existing manufacturing functions, the site is expected to serve as a community hub.
The flagship store, やまや総本店, opened in Shirogane, Fukuoka, in March 2023. It offers mentaiko set meals and seafood rice bowls at 白金小径, as well as course meals at the Japanese cuisine restaurant 膳, creating a place where visitors and local residents can experience the area’s food culture.