news & facts Innovation
news & facts Innovation since 80 years As ZOLLER marks its 80 th anniversary it’s a moment to reflect on how far the company has come and where it is heading. Since 1945 ZOLLER has remained focused on one mission: delivering technologies that increase precision, efficiency, and reliability on the shop floor. What began as a small workshop founded by Alfred Zoller in 1945 has grown into a global technology company with a presence in over 62 countries. His son, Eberhard Zoller, continued to build on that vision, and today the third generation of Christoph and Alexander Zoller is shaping the company’s future with the same passion and forward-thinking mindset. For three generations progress at ZOLLER has been rooted in tradition, but always with an eye on the future. ZOLLER Solutions spans the entire tool management process, from tool presetting and measuring to inspecting, balancing and shrinking, as well as tool management software and hardware integration. These technologies form the backbone of modern manufacturing and can be configured into complete, customized systems, all the way to fully automated Smart Factory solutions. further information: www.zoller.info 30 years of precision tools In 2025, LEUCO Japan celebrates its 30 th anniversary – a remarkable milestone made possible by commitment, innovation and trusted partnerships with customers. “Since its founding in 1995 we have grown together with the Japanese woodworking industry, adapting to the changing times while remaining true to our mission: to deliver precision tooling solutions that increase quality, productivity and performance. I remember the early days well – from the purchase of the land to the construction of our factory – and I feel deeply honored to be the only one who has experienced this journey from the beginning”, says Yasumi Arigaya, managing director LEUCO Japan. “Over the past 30 years our environment has changed constantly. Recently we have had to face common global challenges: rising material costs, a shortage of skilled labor, a weakening yen and natural disasters. Nevertheless we overcame every challenge with resilience, a willingness to learn and cooperation.” More than just a tool supplier The goal of LEUCO Japan is to build lasting relationships with its customers through reliable service, technical expertise and customized solutions. “We know that the tools we provide play a decisive role in production processes – they influence quality, operating costs and production efficiency. This awareness drives us to pursue continuous improvement and innovation.” 2 nd from left Roland Albert (head of engineering) 4 th from left Yasumi Arigaya with his team in Tochigi right side Udo Leiber (managing director LEUCO Asia); since the beginning technology transfer has taken place between LEUCO Japan, the parent company in Germany, and LEUCO Asia-Technik, to maintain the latest state-of-the-art sharpening service And Yasumi Arigaya adds “we would like to thank our valued customers for their support over the past three decades. We look forward to celebrating this special anniversary together and continuing on our successful path into the future.“ further information: www.leuco.com 28 no. 3, September 2025
fairs news & facts Japan’s car industry has highest robot installations in five years The Japanese automotive industry installed a total of about 13,000 industrial robots in 2024. This is an 11 % increase compared to the previous year and the highest level recorded since 2020. “Japan is the world’s predominant robot manufacturing country representing 38 % of global robot production” says Takayuki Ito, president of the International Federation of Robotics. “In terms of factory automation, Japan’s automotive industry ranked fourth worldwide with a robot density of 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023. This is ahead of the United States and Germany, only behind Slovenia, Korea and Switzerland.” The Japanese automotive industry is currently undergoing a restructuring process in order to adapt to alternative powertrains. Most car manufacturers intend to expand their range of battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. In addition, Japanese manufacturers are developing hydrogen-fueled combustion engines. This diversified portfolio will require a appropriate production technology. Car manufacturers represent approximately 25 % of all robot installations on an annual basis in Japan. The electrical and electronics industry Japan’s car industy installed 11 % more robots compared to previous year is the only sector that installs more robots. Their installations reached about 14,000 industrial robots in 2024, which reflects a 5 % decrease. “The use of robotics not only characterizes modern industrial workplaces in Japan, but also contributes to the development in everyday areas of application” says Takayuki Ito. further information: www.ifr.org Announcing JIMTOF 2026 The 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair The Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (chairman: SAKAMOTO Shigetomo) and Tokyo Big Sight Inc. (president & CEO: KUGA Hideo) will hold JIMTOF 2026: The 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair at Tokyo Big Sight for six days from October 26 – 31, 2026. “JIMTOF, one of the world’s largest international technology shows, bringing together cutting-edge technologies and products. The fair serves as a comprehensive showcase of items from across the manufacturing spectrum, ranging from machine tools to peripherals of all kinds. Since 2008 JIMTOF has traditionally taken place over a period of six days, including Saturday and Sunday. 2026 however the fair will run from Monday to Saturday, adding an extra weekday to better align with today’s business practices. Main features of JIMTOF 2026 → A compelling collection of the latest cutting-edge technologies and products: enhancing JIMTOF’s pull as an international technology show JIMTOF brings together Japan’s top-tier machine tool technologies and products, attracting strong interest from both users and buyers in Japan and abroad. The JIMTOF fair management office will continue to engage in extensive promotional activities to provide visitors with as much information as possible on new products and technologies. → Concurrent programs to meet the needs of these days: hosting a variety of captivating concurrent programs and special exhibits JIMTOF offers much more than just booths showcasing new products and technology. It will also host a wide variety of concurrent programs designed to enhance its presence as a premier international technology show. JIMTOF 2026 will feature insightful lectures, special interactive exhibits highlighting the latest trends in technology, and events for students, being the future of the manufacturing industry. → Extensive services for exhibitors and visitors: organizing a sustainable, high-quality exhibition through digital transformation (DX) To enhance convenience and sustainability, the organizers are promoting DX initiatives, including the use of E-invitation (electronic invitation), digital signage at the venue, and AI-powered support for overseas visitors, aiming to maintain visibility and engagement for JIMTOF and the industry at large via the YouTube channel “JIMTOF INSIGHTS”, which delivers broad manufacturing-related content with a focus on the machine tool industry. further information: www.jimtof.org no. 3, September 2025 29
