Summary:
This Japanese manufacturer of a pipe renewal system that significantly increases the longevity of pipes is looking for partners in the EU. The electrolysis-based technology can make pipes last as long as the buildings they are placed in, and therefore economical and eco-friendly. They already have clients in the United Kingdom, and wish to grow their presence in the EU through distribution services or commercial agency agreements.
Description:
A Japanese maker of an anti-corrosion, pipe renewal device is seeking business partners such as agents and distributors in the EU. The companies’ product reduces red rust inside pipes by converting it into black rust (a more stable rust layer that does not propagate as rapidly as other rust forms) hence extending the lifespan of pipes by at least 40 years. This product is the only technology in the world that can extend the lifespan of pipes up to the lifespan of buildings without the need for pipe replacement. The company has obtained patents for their technology, both in Japan and overseas.
This device has been installed at more than 4,200 buildings as of 2020, including hotels, hospitals and apartments in Japan, plus more than 200 buildings overseas, mainly in the United Kingdom. The corporation has successfully solved issues caused by red rust in pipes, such as water leakage and discoloration of water. The company tests the product for each individual installation, so customers can see its effectiveness clearly through scientific data.
In Japan, the maker sells the anti-corrosion device through distributors, in addition to direct selling. To develop their presence in the EU market, the corporation is now looking for a distributor who has powerful connections with hotels or hospitals. Workflow of installation involves an on-site survey and testing of the effectiveness. If a customer wishes to install the product, the company will send its engineers for site survey as the first step, and then provide training and guidance to the partner. In the long-term the goal is to train the EU partners’ engineers to be able to fully handle the site survey and installation procedures, all at the cost of the Japanese company.
In Europe, there are many historic, cultural properties that can consider installing the product. The corporation believes that the device will help to maintain the exterior and interior of old buildings which as a result protects valuable cultural structures.
The product is eco-friendly as it makes pipe replacement unnecessary by extending the lifespan of central heating pipes and domestic hot water pipes. By using the device, construction material wastage generated by replacing pipes will be eliminated reducing CO2 emissions.
The Japanese company is looking to engage in distribution services and commercial agency agreements.
Type (e.g. company, R&D institution…), field of industry and Role of Partner Sought:
The company is looking for EU partners with strong connections to a key person or decision maker at public facilities, e.g. hospitals or hotels. Ideal partners would be companies that are consulting on facility management, facility maintenance service, infrastructure such as district heating and water supply, and companies that supply to hotels and hospitals.
The EU partners must have engineers that can undergo training provided by engineers dispatched from the Japanese company. They must also be willing to send water samples to relevant testing agencies after installation if they want to provide numerical data on the effectiveness to end-users.
External code:
BOJP20200520001
