Chapter 01
Protecting lives from fire: The next step in responding to social issues
Sanwa was founded exclusively as a shutter manufacturer. Yet as the company expanded its product lineup and business scale from lightweight shutters to heavy-duty shutters, it was continually confronted with the question, “What should be protected in society?”
In the latter half of the 1960s, Japan’s urban landscape was on the cusp of dramatic change, with plans for skyscrapers emerging one after the other. As buildings became taller and larger, attention increasingly turned to the problem of how to contain damage in the event of fire. An amendment to the Building Standards Act triggered a surge in demand for fire doors as well as fireproof shutters linked to smoke detectors. Sanwa decided to enter the door business—not as an extension of shutter operations, but to provide infrastructure that protected human lives.
Sanwa Door Industrial Co., Ltd. was established in 1969. More than mere business expansion, beyond fireproof shutters into fire doors, this was an inevitable step toward addressing issues faced by society.
Chapter 02
Working with partners to broaden the scope of protection
While efforts to improve safety were progressing, the roles required of entrances grew more diverse as buildings became taller and larger. In 1984, Sanwa took over the storefront business of Showa Aluminum Sash Sales Co., Ltd. and established Showa Front Sales Co., Ltd., entering the storefront field that shapes the face of retail spaces.
In the years that followed, Sanwa Exterior Co., Ltd. was established, and various companies with specialized expertise and track records joined the Group in succession, including automatic door operator manufacturer Showa Kensan Co., Ltd., partition manufacturer Venix Co., Ltd., stainless steel building materials company Sanwa Tajima Corporation, mailbox manufacturer Tajima Metal Work Co., Ltd., and partition manufacturer Sanwa System Wall Co., Ltd.
This diversification was not achieved by a single company alone. Technologies, expertise, on-site capabilities, and other factors cultivated in different fields came together, supported by Sanwa’s long-established sales and installation network, and gradually formed a system that could deliver movable building materials with confidence.
Each company works with its partners to expand its scope and meet the needs of society—and this steady accumulation of effort defines the Sanwa Group’s diversification strategy.
Chapter 03
Safety, security, and convenience for the present and beyond
In recent years, building materials have become increasingly advanced, incorporating environmental measures and smart technologies. The Sanwa Group faced these social changes head-on and chose not to confine itself to shutters. Sanwa did not expand its lineup through product development and M&A merely out of a desire for business growth. That effort reflects a commitment to ask what we can do about the various issues that each era presents, and sincerely respond to the needs of society and our customers.
To prepare for increasingly severe natural disasters such as stronger typhoons and torrential rains, Sanwa developed the industry’s first electrically operated panel shutter with waterproof features. This product is being used at subway and underground shopping mall entrances to protect human lives and urban infrastructure. In addition to the waterproof Water Guard series, we have steadily expanded our lineup of disaster prevention and mitigation options for entrances, including with the wind-resistant Wind Guard series.
Furthermore, we are contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society through CO2 emissions reduction by offering highly insulating products such as high-speed sheet-type shutters and insulated overhead doors, which help to save energy.
Moreover, by making use of digital technologies such as IoT and the cloud to offer new smart products and services such as systems for operating garage doors via smartphone, we are helping to create more comfortable and convenient living environments.
Sanwa’s mission, which began with security and convenience, has evolved to encompass fire and smoke protection, earthquake resistance, universal design, waterproofing and wind resistance, and IoT.
Seventy years after its founding, the Sanwa Group remains as committed as ever to delivering tangible value as a provider of safety, security, and convenience for every kind of building entrance.
