TRI stretches boundaries with revolutionary rubber innovations

Much like rubber, which has been its core product for more than 80 years, Tokai Rubber Industries (TRI) continues to be resilient, flexible and, most of all, revolutionary.

TRI pushes the limits of rubber applications from vehicle components to robotic parts, specialising in anti-vibration rubber and hoses, precision cleaning blades and a range of industrial materials. Such diversity has made TRI the partner of choice of companies from equally diverse industries including automotive, steel, machinery and information technology.

"Our strengths lie in our products and services," says TRI president Yoshiaki Nishimura. "Apart from offering competitive prices, we understand our markets and adapt to local requirements."

TRI has 27 manufacturing plants, with three in Indonesia and three in Thailand. Targeting to serve its growing Chinese customer base, it established joint ventures in Tianjin and Jiaxing for research and development (R&D), and in Shanghai for logistics. The company eyes a bigger presence in Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Thailand, where it plans to produce raw materials for export worldwide.

"Our capability to co-ordinate a global supply chain and sales force reinforces our competitiveness and commitment to our customers," Nishimura says. "Asia is a key driver of growth where we plan to cultivate our strategy and be a strong market leader."

TRI's commitment is also reflected in its continuous R&D and pursuit of new growth areas. This is best illustrated by RIBA (Robot for Interactive Body Assistance), which the company developed together with Japanese natural sciences research institute RIKEN.