Shimpo
AcquiredOverview
Nidec-Shimpo is a manufacturer of ceramic equipment and power transmission drive technology serving industrial and artisan markets. The company specializes in pottery wheels, pugmills, slab rollers, and related ceramics equipment for potters worldwide, alongside a broader portfolio of gears, drive systems, and testing instrumentation. As a division of Nidec Corporation, the brand maintains its heritage in ceramics manufacturing while leveraging parent company expertise in motor design and drive technology.
History
Shimpo Industrial Corporation was established in 1952 in Kyoto, Japan, initially focusing on ceramics equipment and power transmission solutions. The company was acquired by Nidec Corporation in February 1995, gaining access to advanced motor design capabilities and expanded technical expertise. Following the acquisition, Shimpo transitioned to operate under the Nidec brand while maintaining its ceramics division as Nidec-Shimpo Ceramics. The company expanded its North American operations, establishing headquarters in Glendale Heights, Illinois to serve the regional market.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pottery Wheels | Professional and hobbyist ceramic equipment | $1,500 - $8,000 |
| Pugmills | Clay preparation and processing equipment | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| Slab Rollers | Ceramic sheet production equipment | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Kilns | Ceramic firing equipment | $5,000 - $25,000 |
| Power Transmission Drives | Industrial gear and drive systems | $500 - $50,000 |
| Testing Instrumentation | Speed, force, and torque measurement devices | $2,000 - $20,000 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured at the original Kyoto, Japan facility and distributed globally through regional operations including North American headquarters in Glendale Heights, Illinois. The company maintains in-house manufacturing capabilities for ceramics equipment while leveraging Nidec's broader production network for drive technology and instrumentation components.
Notable Products
- Pottery Wheels - Electric pottery wheels for professional studios and educational institutions
- Pugmills - Automated clay mixing and de-airing equipment for ceramic production
- Slab Rollers - Precision equipment for creating uniform ceramic sheets and slabs
- Planetary Gears - High-precision gear systems for industrial power transmission applications
- Torque Testing Instruments - Precision measurement devices for speed, force, and torque applications
Reputation
Nidec-Shimpo is recognized as a reliable manufacturer of ceramics equipment with strong brand loyalty among professional potters and ceramic studios. The company benefits from decades of heritage in the pottery equipment market and integration with Nidec's technical capabilities. While respected for equipment durability and functionality, the brand operates in a niche market with limited consumer awareness outside professional ceramics circles. Pricing is positioned at the premium end of the market, reflecting quality construction and precision engineering.
Sources (8)
- https://us.metoree.com/companies/166002/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nidec-Shimpo_America_Corporation
- https://rocketreach.co/shimpo-ceramics-profile_b463c538fc5da626
- https://www.shimpoceramics.com
- https://www.shimpoceramics.com/about-us/
- https://www.nidec.com/en/nidec-drivetechnology/corporate/history/
- https://www.shimpoceramics.com/recent-developments/
- https://www.shimpoceramics.com/contact/