Technology of 120 years
Traditions passed over generations
Founder, Shotaro Ikegai, started small ironworks in Kanasugikawaguchicho, Shiba, Tokyo in May 1889. In the year-end, he had completed the Japan’s first production of lathes which were two sets of British-model 9-foot lathes. These are the first Ikegai’s lathe and the first domestically produced lathe as well as the oldest existing made-in-Japan product (presented and exhibited at National Museum of Nature and Science). Since then, successively challenging to develop new technologies mainly in the area of machine tools over a century, Ikegai has established an unshakable position in the machine tool industry. Ikegai’s challenging spirit has been steadily evolving since the beginning of its history of manufacturing.
The first domestically produced lathe
Founder, Shotaro Ikegai
Advancement to new areas
In 1894, Ikegai entered the motor market introducing 4-horsepower steam engine for self-power generation. Ikegai developed various engines manufacturing diesel car in the beginning of Showa era (early 20th centuries) and accumulated knowhow. In 1960, Ikegai signed for a technology alliance for high-speed diesel engines with an International player from Germany, Daimler-Benz (of the time), and began the production of excellent diesel engines. Although the production is currently ceased, we also imported and sold marine diesel engines for MAN, a German automobile and machinery maker, signing up an alliance with MAN. Accumulation of technology for engine and maintenance over years has enabled us to expand our business beyond machine tools. In 1950, we entered plastic machinery area. Besides, our main production records includes high-speed newspaper printing machine delivered to a major newspaper companies and motors for Tokyo Tower.
Various machine tools
(Ikegai diesel engine produced through the alliance with Daimler-Benz)
Engine MB820Db model
Museum of Maritime Science
Succession and evolution of technology
Currently, we develop our inherited technologies of three areas: machine tools, industrial machinery and diesel engines. For the past few years, in the area of machine tools, we have received many orders for super-large scale products and special products mainly for vessels, nuclear power and energy and demonstrated that the maturity of our technology. For each order, we fully proved our capabilities to understand customer’s detailed needs and accommodate special specifications as requested with our technologies. Our track record certifies our technical excellence, and our sincere attitude results in the formation of trust with customers. We are gaining the patronage from customers through “our action that put our customers first” and the corporate image as a machine tool expert with a cutting-edge technology having strength in lathe. In the area of extruder of industrial machinery division, as an innovator, Ikegai holds unique strength in single-axis extruder and 2-axis extruder with high kneading capability. We have competitiveness backed by technologies that can accommodate to any needs and win any markets.
To the future
Ikegai started new business expansion focusing its technologies and skills of 120 years on its specialty which is large-scale machine tools. Highly populated Asia and the increase in demand for crude oil, energy consumption and substitute energy are spurring the investment in environment, energy (nuclear power, electric power, wind power, etc.) and transportation (vessels, railroads, etc.). Ikegai is receiving more orders for energy-related products including nuclear power due to our strength in large-scale special machines and our full knowledge of machine tools. It is the time for Ikegai to demonstrate its unique tailoring technologies.
(Power turbine, special machine)
(Crank processing dedicated machine)
The challenge of innovation with machine tools with advanced technology
- Examples of major industries and models -
※ Ikegai’s high-precision machine tools are used as industrial machinery and part production tools in various industries.
Global expansion
Ikegai delivers its machine tools and industrial machinery to the world. We will continue our global operations.