Greetings
Our company name originates from the time our founder and first president, Kaneto Tomibe, established a business around the “sericin fixation” technology used in imitation-wool processing of silk fibers. It draws on the words for silk (蚕; kaiko) and wool (毛; ke). Today, our company operates two core businesses: a dyeing division and a fibers division that manufactures and sells functional fibers.
In our dyeing division, we handle yarn-dyeing with machine processes for chemical synthetic fibers, natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen, etc.), as well as bleaching. Notably, we have built a strong reputation for the vat dyeing of cotton, backed by a complete wastewater treatment facility. Throughout our history in the dyeing field, we have obtained groundbreaking patents—such as those for the “average dyeing method for various fibers” and for new “fiber treatment methods”—and we take pride in having contributed, even in a small way, to the dyeing industry.
Meanwhile, we have devoted ourselves to developing high-value-added products from natural fibers. Leveraging our advanced degumming expertise with silk, we have introduced a spun-silk product under the Seresa® trademark. We are pleased that Seresa® has been well-received across various sectors as a silk material that overcomes the usual difficulties associated with silk, making it suitable for everyday wear. We continue to conduct focused research and development on other natural fibers as well. As a dyeing business, our aim is to refine our dyeing technologies further while simultaneously advancing environmental measures, thereby preserving the tradition of machine-based dyeing.
Our other main focus is the fibers division, which manufactures and sells functional fibers such as the conductive fiber Thunderon®, the antibacterial and deodorizing fiber DEW®, and the deodorizing fiber DEW® WHITE, among others. Notably, Thunderon®, which was first introduced in 1980 and was patented in Japan and major countries around the world, has evolved from what was once called a “dream fiber” to establish a solid presence in high-tech industries. In addition to its conductive properties, Thunderon® has demonstrated antibacterial and deodorizing effects, far-infrared emission, and electromagnetic shielding. Thanks to these multiple functionalities, Thunderon® products are now used in a wide variety of fields.
Today, the textile industry in developed countries faces a challenging environment, one that almost seems to require protectionist measures. Rather than pursuing the ever-larger volumes often associated with machine dyeing, we have chosen to focus on creating high-value-added products from natural fibers—such as those mentioned above—and on developing high-tech fibers like Thunderon®. By placing greater emphasis on quality improvement, we strive to differentiate ourselves in this tough market.
In closing, we sincerely ask for your continued support and encouragement.
Overview
| Company Name | Nippon Sanmo Dyeing Co., Ltd. (Nihon Sanmō Senshoku Kabushiki Kaisha) |
|---|---|
| Address | 35 Butaicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8338, Japan |
| Ｔ Ｅ Ｌ | +81-75-601-8281 |
| Ｆ Ａ Ｘ | +81-75-621-2922 |
| info@sanmo.co.jp | |
| Established | September 26, 1938 |
| Capital | 80 million yen |
| Employees | 70 |
| Officers | President and CEO: Junko Tomibe Executive Managing Director: Hiroto Tomibe Director: Ken Hiramoto Director: Kazuhiro Okuda Auditor: Kazuo Fujimoto |
| Business Activities | Dyeing and finishing of textile raw materials Manufacturing and sales of conductive fibers, deodorizing fibers, etc. |
History
1938/ 9/26
Founder and first president, Kaneto Tomibe, established the company in the Kuramaguchi-Omiya area of Kyoto, based on a patented manufacturing method for imitation wool-like silk fibers.
1941/ 8/ 1
Following business expansion, the company moved to its current location. As a producer of “sanmo” yarn and “sanmo” fabric, we pioneered a unique niche in the industry, eventually exporting these products overseas.
1945/ 8
We built a wool washing, carbonizing, and dyeing factory for Daiken Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Spinning Department, currently Toyobo Co., Ltd.), entering the raw wool processing field.
1953
As synthetic fibers came into the spotlight, we shifted our focus to dyeing them and conducted extensive research. We gradually moved from artisanal techniques to machine-based dyeing. We consolidated the theory of sealed, pressurized circulation-type dyeing machines into the patented “Average Dyeing Method for Various Fibers,” which we then made widely available to the dyeing industry.
1956
To better align with our evolving business, we changed our name from “Nihon Sanmō Kōgyō” to “Nippon Sanmo Dyeing Co., Ltd.,” committing fully to dyeing operations.
1976
In response to the dollar crisis, oil crisis, and the growing need for environmental measures, we completed a new textile machine-dyeing system that had been under development since 1973, earning a patent for “Fiber Treatment Method.” In April, we built a new cotton dyeing factory.
1979
We strengthened our cotton dyeing and finishing operations by introducing a continuous centrifuge (Rousselet, France) and a cake breaker (Gualchierani, Italy).
1980
As part of energy-saving initiatives, we installed a steam accumulator. After years of dedicated development, we succeeded in creating a conductive fiber named “Thunderon,” obtaining a patent for it. The fiber received high praise in related industries and is now widely used in many fields.
1982
We introduced a Computer Color Matching (CCM) system to improve quality control.
1984
We built a new plant for our cotton dyeing and finishing department and installed three automatic packing machines. To enhance our yarn-dyeing capabilities for cotton, we also constructed facilities for pollution control.
1988
We introduced a special fiber-opening machine for research and development in natural fiber dyeing, as well as a nylon monofilament manufacturing apparatus.
1990/2
We launched our spun silk, “Cereza” A new office building for the Fibers Division was completed.
1994
We established “Shanghai Huazhong Sanmo Dyeing Co., Ltd.” as part of our overseas expansion.
1995
As part of streamlining efforts, we built a new integrated factory, combining our automated dyeing plant with top finishing and bleaching finishing operations.
1996
In response to E. coli O-157 concerns, we introduced the antibacterial fiber “DEW.”
1999
We unveiled the charged fiber “Elefresh.”
2004/2
To better protect the environment, we switched from liquid-fuel to gas-fuel boilers.
2009/1
We obtained KES (Kyoto Environmental System) STEP2 certification.
2013/12
We installed a cogeneration system to further reduce environmental impact.
Access
| Company Name | Nihon Sanmo Dyeing Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Location | 35 Butaicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8338, Japan |
| Ｔ Ｅ Ｌ | +81-75-601-8281 |
| Access Routes | By Meishin Expressway Exit at Kyoto Minami IC, proceed on Route 1 toward Osaka, turn left at the Akaike intersection, cross Aburakoji Street, then turn right at the first traffic light and continue south. By Keihan Railway From Keihan Tambabashi Station, exit via “North Exit 1” on the left and head west along Tambabashi Street. By Kintetsu Railway From Kintetsu Tambabashi Station, pass through the central gate, exit on the right at “Exit 3,” and head west along Tambabashi Street. By Bus from Kyoto Station Take the No. 81 route from the Kyoto Station bus terminal and alight at Nishitanbabashi (heading toward the Yokoojishako bus depot). ※ Download map |