Kusakabe Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.

Our machines are built for longevity, often remaining in active service for 30 to 40 years. However, the electrical components integrated into these systems typically undergo model changes much sooner. As a result, customers frequently find themselves needing to upgrade to newer models well before the machine’s mechanical lifespan is reached.
A prime example is a milling cutter (capable of handling 20-inch outer diameters) installed in Saudi Arabia in 2008. The original Siemens PLC and Yaskawa NC systems have become legacy models; therefore, we have scheduled an on-site retrofit to the latest systems this month. While current geopolitical instability in the Middle East has introduced some uncertainty to the March schedule, we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a successful transition.
In recent years, we have observed a strategic shift in capital investment: rather than simply increasing production capacity, more clients are prioritizing the retrofitting of existing equipment, enhancing safety measures, and improving work environments. These requests require more rigorous preliminary study and meticulous execution than ever before.
Leveraging our unique strength—the ability of our in-house engineers to manage everything from design to commissioning—we remain committed to meeting these complex needs and ensuring the continued excellence of our customers' operations.

2026. 3. 9

We are pleased to announce that the finishing equipment for a world-renowned German automotive steel tube manufacturer has successfully commenced production operations. Installation began late last year, followed by commissioning and adjustments from the beginning of this year.
The primary objective of this installation was to address challenges found in the previous equipment, specifically enhancing safety and improving the working environment. By integrating a safety PLC, we have ensured the absolute safety of operators even when essential tasks must be performed inside the safety fencing during production. Additionally, the extraction of test pieces for flattening tests, which previously involved certain risks, can now be conducted safely from outside the fence.
Furthermore, we have implemented specialized programming to safely handle the "banana effect" (significant pipe warping) that often occurs during the production of initial lots. We also introduced a mobile coolant nozzle head mechanism that adjusts to the pipe length. This minimizes coolant leakage when blowing out internal beads, maintaining a cleaner workspace.
This project is a testament to our company's unique ability to provide on-site solutions and custom-made engineering tailored to the specific needs of operators. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our client, our employees who worked on-site over the New Year holidays, and everyone involved in making this project a success.

2026. 2. 5

As we begin 2026, I would like to extend my warmest greetings. Our entire team is dedicated to giving their best again this year, and we look forward to your continued support.
Since last year, the use of AI has become indispensable in our daily operations. While our core business—machine design, processing, assembly, and commissioning—is not something that can be easily replaced by AI or robotics, I often reflect on the unique added value that only humans can create.
The steel pipe mill industry is a highly niche market, and today, AI can provide information even on such specialized trends. However, the micro-level dynamics of individual companies—the subtle changes and real needs—cannot be grasped without physically visiting the sites and seeing and hearing them for ourself. I believe that a traditional, hands-on sales style remains essential.
Our machines are built to be used for 30 or 40 years. Therefore, building long-term relationships of trust with our customers is of the utmost importance. While leveraging the power of AI, we are committed to constantly exploring how we can continue to provide the kind of value that only people can deliver.

2026. 1. 21

It seems I say this every year, but time truly flies, and before we know it, December is already here.
This year, we have two installation projects for our machinery in Germany during the year-end and New Year holidays, meaning our instructors will be celebrating the New Year locally. The location is near Dortmund.
Dortmund’s Christmas market is famous for its Christmas tree, which is the tallest in the world (created by stacking up fir trees). Please see the photo taken in 2023.
While the streets of Europe and the U.S. light up brilliantly during the Christmas season, it can be a lonely time for our instructors working far from home. In particular, most restaurants close on December 25th, making it difficult to even find a meal.
There was a time, long ago, when the only place open was a convenience store at a gas station, and an instructor spent Christmas night with just the bananas purchased there.
We are truly grateful to our instructors for their hard work and dedication in a foreign country during a time that should rightfully be spent with family.
We wish everyone a wonderful and successful 2026.

2025. 12. 1

The festive lights of Christmas are beginning to twinkle in Japanese cities now that Halloween has concluded. However, for our valued partners in the United States, a far more significant date looms just ahead: Thanksgiving. This annual celebration, centered around family reunion and gratitude, is arguably the most cherished holiday on the American calendar.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 27th. Critically for our industry, this date marks the beginning of a mass exodus, as production facilities often take an extended shutdown over the ensuing long weekend. This well-timed pause in operations presents a perfect window for essential maintenance and upgrades.
Indeed, we have seen a recent surge in projects scheduled to leverage this downtime, primarily focusing on electrical system modernizations. This includes crucial updates such as migrating legacy DC motor systems to more efficient and reliable AC motors, as well as replacing outdated equipment that has reached its end-of-life.
For any organization contemplating the improvement or overhaul of existing machinery, we strongly encourage you to engage with our sales team now. Coordinating these necessary modifications around the Thanksgiving break ensures minimal impact on production schedules while maximizing the benefit of the planned downtime.

2025. 11. 5

Continuing from last month, here is another introduction to equipment designed to enhance safety.
We're featuring the Outside Bead Chopper, a unit that crushes and manages the outside weld bead.
The crushing process happens right after the outside bead is cut. Since the bead hasn't had a chance to cool down, crushing it is quick and simple.
We've already supplied multiple units across the Americas, Europe, and Southeast Asia. This December, we are scheduled to replace a bead winder with this new equipment in Germany.
Improving workplace safety is a critical priority, and we understand it's essential for retaining your skilled operators.
If your company is planning equipment upgrades, please contact us! We are ready to assist you.

2025. 10. 1

We will be providing equipment for the European market that includes not only chamfering capabilities but also a high-pressure water system designed to remove and crush the internal scarfs left on the pipe's inner surface.
Heightened safety regulations have led to a greater demand for solutions that can eliminate these scarfs without direct human contact.
The system's carefully designed nozzles prevent high-pressure water from atomizing into the surrounding air, reflecting our commitment to a safer and more considerate work environment.

2025. 9. 1

We have delivered a special sizing mill (MSM) to the world's largest manufacturer of submarine fiber optic cables in Europe.
This MSM is composed of three rolls per stage and can significantly reduce the outer diameter of the aluminum pipe that houses the fiber optic cable. This process ensures the pipe and cable are in close contact before the pipe is beautifully coiled.
A high reduction ratio, which was previously difficult to achieve, has now been made possible thanks to our special design. We are delighted that our technology can contribute to the development of global infrastructure.

2025. 8. 1