The history of Tsurumi Manufacturing dates back to the early 20th century, when it was founded in Osaka, Japan. Today, the company has become one of the leading manufacturers of submersible pumps and other industrial equipment.
Since 1924, Tsurumi Manufacturing has been continuously growing and innovating, adapting to the changing needs and demands of the market. Here’s a look at the company’s journey over the past 100 years.
Early Beginnings
Initially known as “Tsurumi Shokai”, the company was established in 1924. They began their operations by manufacturing TDL-series vertical shaft pumps, primarily intended for agricultural use. By 1951, the company had evolved and was registered as a limited company known as “Tsurumi Manufacturing Company, Limited.” Their product line grew with the development of the 2-stage vertical shaft pumps (TDW-series), designed specifically for construction dewatering applications, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
Nationwide Expansion and Growth
In the 1960s, Tsurumi Manufacturing began to expand its presence nationwide in Japan, starting with the opening of the Osaka and Tokyo Sales Offices in 1962. These offices, now known as the Kinki Branch Office and the Tokyo Branch Office, marked the company’s first steps towards nationwide presence.
Concurrently, the company was also bringing innovation in pump technology. For example, they developed a new, lightweight, dry-type motor in 1962. This drastic improvement over the conventional oil-filled motors led to the creation of the KB-series pump, the first of its kind to incorporate this innovative dry-type motor.
Between 1964 and 1965, Tsurumi Manufacturing yet again led industry advancement by developing a new submersible pump with a built-in circle thermal protector, a first in the industry. This led to the launching of the KR model in January 1965.
In the following years, the company continued to expand its geographically diverse presence by opening the Sapporo Sales Office in 1965 and the Fukuoka Sales Office in 1966, now known as the Hokkaido Branch Office and the Kyushu Branch Office, respectively.
In 1968, the company introduced the TB model, the first float-type submersible automatic pump with a built-in automatic control circuit.
The year 1969 saw further expansion with the opening of the Nagoya and Hokuriku Sales Offices, presently known as the Chubu and Hokuriku Branch Offices. This period also marked the launch of a specialised factory for the production of small-sized pumps and the adoption of an automatic painting system.
Global Expansion and Growth
In 1970, Tsurumi Manufacturing took a significant step forward in its production capabilities by constructing a new factory. This facility was designed with an assembly line specifically for large-sized pumps, reflecting the company’s growth and increasing focus on industrial applications.
The company brought another innovation this same year: a submersible pump equipped with a solid handling impeller, a first in the industry. To showcase their pioneering technology, Tsurumi introduced a cut-away sample of their newly launched SS series, a submersible vortex pump, further solidifying their reputation as a leader in pump technology.
1976 was the year when Tsurumi Manufacturing made a significant leap in its global reach by establishing H&E TSURUMI PUMP CO., LTD. in Hong Kong. This entity later became TSURUMI PUMP HONG KONG CO., LTD., and is now a consolidated subsidiary.
The following year, 1978, the company continued its expansion by setting up TSURUMI (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. in Singapore, which also became a consolidated subsidiary. Then, in 1979, the company marked its presence in North America by establishing TSURUMI (AMERICA), INC. in the United States, which, like its other international entities, is now a consolidated subsidiary.
In 1981, the company marked a key milestone by getting listed on the second section of the Osaka Stock Exchange, demonstrating its consistent growth and increasing recognition in the market. The following year, in 1982, Tsurumi Manufacturing expanded its infrastructure by building a new factory in Yawata City, Kyoto. This factory consolidation marked another step in their quest for operational efficiency and streamlined production.
Other countries in which Tsurumi Manufacturing established its presence include:
- In 2001, the company established TSURUMI PUMP TAIWAN CO., LTD. in Taiwan, which currently operates as a consolidated subsidiary.
- In 2002, Tsurumi Manufacturing made its way into Malaysia with the creation of TSURUMI PUMP (M) SDN. BHD., now an affiliated company.
- The same year, the company made its mark in China by establishing SHANGHAI TSURUMI PUMP CO., LTD., a consolidated subsidiary.
- The company expanded into China and established TSURUMI (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD. in 2004 and TSURUMI VACUUM ENGINEERING (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD. in 2005. These are currently non-consolidated and consolidated subsidiaries, respectively.
- In 2006, the company ventured into South Korea to establish TSURUMI PUMP KOREA CO., LTD., a non-consolidated subsidiary.
- The following year, in 2007, Tsurumi Manufacturing marked its presence in Thailand by launching TSURUMI PUMP (THAILAND) CO., LTD., which operates as a non-consolidated subsidiary today.
- The company scored a significant achievement in 2011 when SHANGHAI TSURUMI PUMP CO., LTD., earned the ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications.
- In 2011, Tsurumi Manufacturing extended its footprint in China by setting up SHANDONG TSURUMI HONGQI ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., which now operates as an affiliated company.
- The year 2012 saw further expansion in China with the establishment of HANGZHOU CNP-TSURUMI PUMP CO., LTD., which is currently an affiliated company.
- In 2013, the company made its way into Indonesia by establishing PT. TSURUMI POMPA INDONESIA, which operates as an affiliated company today.
- Tsurumi Manufacturing entered the Middle East in 2014 by setting up TSURUMI PUMP MIDDLE EAST FZE in the U.A.E., which presently operates as a non-consolidated subsidiary.
- The company marked its presence in Vietnam in 2017 by establishing TSURUMI PUMP VIET NAM CO., LTD., a non-consolidated subsidiary.
- In 2019, Tsurumi Manufacturing ventured into Australia, setting up TSURUMI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, a non-consolidated subsidiary.
- In 2020, the company expanded into Africa by establishing TSURUMI PUMPS AFRICA (PTY) LTD in South Africa, which is currently operating as a non-consolidated subsidiary.
Current Status of Tsurumi Manufacturing
Today, Tsurumi Manufacturing operates through three primary geographic segments: Japan, North America, and China. Its core activities include production, purchasing, sales, and leasing of flagship submersible pumps, along with other pumps, environmental equipment, and peripheral equipment.
In addition to these, Tsurumi Manufacturing undertakes related business activities, including associated repair and after-sales service, installation of machinery and equipment, civil engineering and electrical work, piping work, and construction of water supply facilities. The company also constructs steel structures and sells and leases secondhand fixed assets.
Conclusion
So, this was a quick look at the remarkable growth of Tsurumi Manufacturing. Almost every single year since its inception, the company has taken significant steps towards global expansion by establishing a presence in various countries worldwide. This global reach has enabled Tsurumi Manufacturing to deliver its advanced pump technology and services to customers worldwide, contributing to its success as a leading pump manufacturer.
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