On January 14, 2025, Mr. Tatsuya Torada, President and Representative Director of Torada Kogyo Co., Ltd., along with senior business executives, visited IRuniverse at our Kayabacho office.
Founded in 1916, Torada Kogyo is a long-established refractory and materials manufacturer headquartered in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture.
The company’s core business is the recycling of refractory bricks used in steelworks and other high-temperature industrial facilities. In addition, Torada Kogyo is engaged in a wide range of operations, including the sale of architectural bricks, crushing and processing of refractory raw materials, import and export of materials, and warehouse services. The company also supplies bricks used by glass manufacturers. Leveraging its proprietary recycling expertise and ability to deliver high value-added materials, Torada Kogyo is actively expanding its presence in overseas markets.
First, could you give us an overview of Torada Kogyo’s business?
Our main business involves collecting refractory bricks (ceramic products) that are discharged during furnace repair and renovation work at steel plants and glass manufacturing facilities. These materials are sorted and processed, then resold as refractory raw materials.
Our core pillar is a materials trading business centered on refractory raw materials.
At the same time, a large volume of refractory bricks overseas are still disposed of without being recycled. To make more effective use of limited resources, we are working to build a circular business model with global expansion firmly in mind.
What are your core materials and their characteristics?
Recycled Resources
Torada Kogyo actively promotes the reuse of refractory materials. Waste bricks that remain in good shape are exported to overseas markets, where demand is particularly strong in countries such as India and Turkey.
Could you describe your domestic and international customer base?
In Japan, our primary customers are steel manufacturers, non-ferrous metal producers, and glass manufacturers, with whom we transact directly.
For overseas markets, in addition to exporting through trading company networks, we are increasingly expanding direct transactions with end customers. We see significant growth potential in supplying large consumer markets such as France, the United Kingdom, India, and China.
How is the market evaluating your products, and what challenges do you face?
Market Evaluation
- Strong demand for refractory materials in overseas markets, particularly in India and Turkey
- Recycled materials are highly valued in international markets
Challenges
- In the Japanese market, recycled refractory materials tend to be undervalued, making price formation difficult
- With only a single reference price standard, improving transparency in pricing and transaction terms remains a key issue
What are your future strategies and outlook?
Torada Kogyo aims to go beyond the role of a conventional materials trading company.
- Expansion of Direct Trading Channels
While overseas sales are currently centered on trading companies, we are focusing on establishing direct transaction routes with customers abroad. By strengthening our sales networks in India and Southeast Asia, we aim to shorten the distance between supply and demand. - Maximizing Recycling Value
We are enhancing our sorting and reuse processes for waste refractory materials to improve the quality and market evaluation of recycled products. We position this initiative as a “circular materials business.” - Alignment with Global Standards
As the applications for refractory materials expand, quality standards and certifications are becoming increasingly diverse. Torada Kogyo plans to establish a quality assurance system trusted in international markets to meet global demand.
Overseas Strategy: Focus Regions and Objectives
- India
With rapid expansion of the refractory market, we are promoting the development of local sorting and sales networks. - Southeast Asia (particularly Vietnam)
In collaboration with organizations such as JETRO, we are considering the establishment of local bases and strengthening sales. However, due to capital policy considerations, we are carefully exploring the optimal form of market entry. - Europe and the UK
Both processed products and raw materials are highly regarded, and we plan to strengthen the supply of high value-added products.
Interview Summary
Torada Kogyo continues to deepen its connection with global markets while leveraging the expertise in materials and refractories it has cultivated over more than a century.
Through expanding domestic and international trading routes, enhancing recycling value, and meeting global quality standards, the company’s strategy consistently centers on a single theme: maximizing the value of materials.
At IRuniverse, we have high expectations for Torada Kogyo’s future development.
Related Link
- Torada Kogyo Official Website: https://toracera.com
(IRuniverse, RS)
