Komatsugawa Kohki is the Kanto region's top manufacturer of the light gauge shapes (C beams) used as structural support materials in prefabricated houses and warehouses. As the only manufacturer specializing in C beams in Japan, it has built up a solid position in the industry, not only in terms of market share, but also in terms of reliable quality and the provision of various services, such as quick deliveries.

The company was founded in 1965 in Komatsugawa, Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, as a manufacturer of C beams. Its headquarters and plant were moved to its current location in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, in 1981 and boasts Japan's largest stand-alone C beam factory.

President Kazunori Motomatsu, who took up the post of President in May last year, positively states, "Expectations are not high that C beam demand will grow much from here on, but we hope to survive by strengthening services that meet customer needs, such as providing quick deliveries."

C beams are made by slitting hot rolled coil or galvanized steel sheet, which is then formed into the shape of the letter C. These red and gray colored products are then heated to around 540 °C after being formed, and then sprayed with rust-proofing coating on the coating line. The company is able to produce all the C beam sizes distributed in Japan (from 60 to 200mm). It is equipped with three forming lines based on size and a slitter line. Its ability to manufacture products from hot rolled coil to finished products in one location, is a huge advantage.

In addition, the headquarters and plant are located on the same site, which supports the ability to provide speedy deliveries. Sales staff can immediately notify the plant of rush orders and the manufacturing process can be flexibly realigned, which is another company strength.

Around 70% of customers are official dealers or construction steel wholesalers. The entire delivery volume is delivered through Metal One Structural Steel & Resource Corporation. Also, hot rolled coil, the raw material, is purchased from Nippon Steel Corporation and other firms through Metal One Structural Steel & Resource. President Motomatsu says, "We hope to contribute to the value chain by employing the mutual functions of Group companies such as Metal One Structural Steel & Resource and Watex Corporation." The goal is to fulfill the role as the only shape manufacturer in the Metal One Group.