A cemented partnership

manholes-seals
Date: 12.02.25
Partnerships built over many years can result in the development of better products and solutions, such as the relationship Trelleborg has with Japanese company Ito Yogyo; a successful collaboration that spans ore than three decades.

Water infrastructure is vital for providing safe drinking water and to effectively dispose of wastewater. 

 

Ito Yogyo is a key supplier of semi-dry cast concrete products for Japan’s water infrastructure. Its renowned Vicon series includes manholes and pipes. Ito Yogyo’s heritage goes back over 70 years, and for almost half that time, Trelleborg has supplied its proprietary Kor-N-Seal connectors to the company.

 

“Trelleborg’s relationship with Ito Yogyo dates back to 1987, when the company’s founder, Goji Ito and his colleagues visited our Milford, New Hampshire facility in the US, to discuss introducing the Kor- N-Seal flexible pipe-to-manholes connectors and Hydrokor In-Plant Coring Machines to the Japanese market,” says William Wong, who heads up seals and profiles business development in the Asia Pacific region. 

 

Following Goji Ito’s visit, Kor-N-Seal products received approval from the Japan Institute of Wastewater Engineering Technology, which represents the highest standard for sewage products in Japan’s domestic market.

 

“Approval of the superior quality of Kor-N-Seal came after testing and repeated verification processes,” says Wong. “In 1989, Ito Yogyo began distribution of Kor-N-Seal products. There has been continuous cooperation ever since then.”

 

To celebrate its long relationship with Ito Yogyo, a team from Trelleborg visited the company. “On our way to Ito’s factory, Junichi Nakamura, Sales Manager of Ito Yogyo, pointed to a row of manholes in the distance and proudly told us installation was with Trelleborg’s Kor-N-Seal connectors,” says Wong.

 

Shigeo Takaoka, the Executive Director and R&D manager of Ito Yogyo, recalled that 30 years ago, the company was struggling to find a way to compete with other manhole manufacturers in Japan. 

 

“We imported the Kor-N-Seal products and quickly attained a dominant market share,” he says. “We credit that success to the high quality and marketleading aspects of Trelleborg’s products, as well as the continuous customer and technical support the company provides. We look forward to another 30 years of loyal partnership, sustainable business practices and innovative product launches.” 

 

 

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