NEWS
May 28,2024
Gifu Plastic Industry Co. News Release Topics
Establishment of RISU AMERICA, INC. and Construction of a New Manufacturing Facility in Indiana, USA
Gifu Plastic Industry Co., Ltd. Embarks on Its First Global Manufacturing Expansion
Gifu Plastic Industry Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Eita Omatsu) has established its first overseas subsidiary, RISU AMERICA, INC., in the United States and is currently constructing a new manufacturing facility in the state of Indiana. Construction commenced in April 2024 and is scheduled for completion in September 2025.
The total investment over a six-year period beginning in 2023 is projected to be approximately USD 60 million (equivalent to approximately JPY 9.5 billion, based on the exchange rate of 156.98 JPY/USD as of 9:00 AM JST on May 24, 2024).
This Indiana facility will be the 15th production site within the Gifu Plastic Group and represents our first manufacturing base outside of Japan.
To meet the growing demand for logistics materials in North America, the facility will initially focus on the manufacture of plastic pallets, with plans to gradually expand production to a broader range of logistics-related products in response to customer needs.
The site spans approximately 117,359 square meters (29 acres), offering sufficient space for phased expansion in alignment with anticipated increases in production volume.
By harnessing the strengths of Japanese manufacturing—such as craftsmanship, precision, and meticulous attention to detail—we aim to establish a foundation for Japanese-quality production in the U.S. The majority of the factory's workforce will consist of highly skilled engineers dispatched from Japan, ensuring the stable supply of high-quality products.
The Gifu Plastic Group has over 30 years of experience in handling recycled materials. Leveraging this expertise, we will manufacture and sell products made from recycled plastics, actively contributing to a more sustainable society.
As outlined in our five-year business plan, “RISU Group Vision for the Future,” which targets consolidated sales of JPY 150 billion by FY2028, global expansion is one of our core strategic pillars. The establishment and growth of our logistics materials business in North America play a central role in this strategy.
Marketing activities in North America began in 2022, and RISU AMERICA, INC. was officially established in May 2023. We subsequently formed strategic partnerships with local companies well-versed in pallet distribution and secured a wide customer base. This led to the purchase of land in Indiana in January 2024, followed by the start of factory construction in April 2024.
With the completion of this new facility, we will establish a stable supply system for customers across North America and further accelerate our global business expansion.
Overview of RISU AMERICA, INC. – Indiana Plant
-
Name: Indiana Plant
-
Location: State of Indiana, USA
-
Site Area: 117,359 m² (approx. 29 acres)
-
Building Area: 7,857 m² (approx. 1.94 acres)
-
Construction Start: April 2024
-
Scheduled Start of Operation: September 2025
-
Products: Plastic pallets and other logistics materials
-
Investment Amount: USD 60 million over six years (approx. JPY 9.5 billion as of May 24, 2024)
Corporate Profile of RISU AMERICA, INC.
-
Established: May 2023
-
Location: Indiana, USA
-
Ownership: Wholly owned by Gifu Plastic Industry Co., Ltd.
-
Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of plastic pallets and other logistics-related products