Rigaku Corporation Completes Major Expansion with New Manufacturing Facility at Yamanashi Plant to Support Global Growth
Rigaku Corporation, a leading global solution partner specializing in X-ray analytical technologies and a key member of Rigaku Holdings Corporation (headquartered in Akishima, Tokyo; President and CEO: Jun Kawakami), has officially completed construction of a new manufacturing building at its Yamanashi Plant. The Yamanashi Plant serves as Rigaku’s primary production hub, and this latest expansion—referred to as “the New Building”—marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen its production capacity and meet growing global demand for advanced X-ray analytical solutions.
Strategic Expansion to Meet Surging Global Demand
In recent years, the global market for X-ray analytical technologies has experienced remarkable growth, driven by rapid advancements in industries such as semiconductors, electronic components, battery technology, and life sciences. As these sectors evolve and expand, the need for highly precise, reliable analytical equipment has surged accordingly.
To meet this growing demand, Rigaku embarked on an ambitious expansion plan centered around two core objectives. First, the company aims to enhance its capacity to support rapidly growing and technically demanding fields. Semiconductors, batteries, and life sciences each require sophisticated analytical instruments, and Rigaku is positioning itself to provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to these critical industries. Second, Rigaku seeks to significantly increase its overall production capacity, especially for the specialized components that form the backbone of its products. These components represent the company’s proprietary technologies and are fundamental to its competitive edge in the marketplace.
To realize these objectives, Rigaku has laid out a clear goal: to double its manufacturing output by 2027 compared to 2022 levels, measured on a unit basis. Achieving this ambitious target involves not only expanding physical production space but also optimizing operational efficiency and supply chain resilience. The new manufacturing building at Yamanashi Plant, combined with planned expansions at the Osaka Plant and partnerships with external manufacturers, forms the cornerstone of this strategy. Additionally, the company is focused on reducing lead times and enhancing overall production speed to better serve customers worldwide.
Yamanashi Plant’s Transformation into a Comprehensive Manufacturing Powerhouse
The completion of the New Building has transformed the Yamanashi Plant into a substantially larger and more capable manufacturing facility. The total floor space of the plant has expanded nearly threefold—from 8,500 square meters to an impressive 23,000 square meters. This dramatic increase allows the consolidation of key manufacturing processes that were previously split between Yamanashi and Tokyo facilities.
Processes including the manufacturing, assembly, and shipping of X-ray diffraction systems—one of Rigaku’s flagship product lines—are now centralized within the spacious confines of the Yamanashi Plant. This consolidation brings several critical benefits: it streamlines production workflows, reduces logistical complexity, and increases operational efficiency to new heights. By concentrating operations under one roof, Rigaku enhances its ability to ensure a stable and consistent supply of high-quality analytical instruments to its global customers.
Furthermore, Rigaku is actively advancing the automation of production processes within the Yamanashi Plant. Through rigorous proving tests and technology integration, the company is steering the facility toward becoming a “smart factory.” This initiative seeks to leverage digitalization, robotics, and advanced data analytics to boost efficiency, reduce human error, and improve product quality. The vision is to create a manufacturing environment that excels in both operational performance and product excellence, setting new standards in the X-ray analytical technology industry.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
In line with Rigaku’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, the New Building was constructed using eco-friendly methods aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of the expansion. Special attention was paid to reducing CO2 emissions during construction, reflecting the company’s broader goals of promoting green manufacturing practices.
The facility is equipped with a range of energy-efficient systems designed to reduce waste and optimize energy consumption. Notably, the New Building features high-efficiency equipment complemented by an integrated solar power generation system. These technologies contribute to reducing the plant’s carbon footprint and operational energy costs. By incorporating renewable energy sources and advanced energy-saving technologies, the Yamanashi Plant exemplifies the concept of a “plant in harmony with nature.”
This eco-conscious approach not only supports Rigaku’s internal sustainability goals but also aligns with the growing expectations of customers and stakeholders worldwide who prioritize environmental responsibility.
Leadership Perspective: A Vision for Growth and Excellence
Jun Kawakami, President and CEO of Rigaku Corporation, shared his perspective on the significance of this expansion:
“With this major floor space expansion, Rigaku is boosting manufacturing capacity and enhancing product quality to support our substantial growth. This new facility strengthens our ability to produce the key components of our products—components that are the foundation of Rigaku’s competitive advantage. By centralizing production and incorporating smart manufacturing practices, we ensure that our existing customers continue to receive the highest-quality products while enabling us to attract new customers across the globe.”
Kawakami emphasized the strategic importance of the New Building as a pivotal asset for Rigaku’s future, underscoring how the enhanced production framework will support the company’s long-term vision of innovation and customer satisfaction.
The New Building is scheduled to begin operation in early June, with a phased ramp-up designed to gradually strengthen Rigaku’s production capabilities. As the facility comes fully online, Rigaku anticipates significant improvements in lead times, manufacturing throughput, and product consistency.
This expansion represents not just an increase in physical capacity but a strategic investment in the company’s future—enabling Rigaku to remain at the forefront of the X-ray analytical technology industry amid rapid global market changes.
In conclusion, the completion of the New Building at Yamanashi Plant is a milestone that reflects Rigaku’s commitment to technological leadership, operational excellence, and environmental sustainability. By combining expanded manufacturing capabilities with smart automation and eco-friendly practices, Rigaku is well-positioned to meet growing customer demands and continue its trajectory of global growth and innovation.
