Key Facts
• Sugawara Kogyo, a mold manufacturer in Higashihiroshima, ceased operations by April 10, 2026.
• The company is preparing to file for voluntary bankruptcy.
• Estimated total liabilities amount to approximately 200 million yen.
• Founded in 2003, specialized in press molds for automotive brackets, door hinges, and panels.
• Provided integrated services from design to repair for major automakers’ suppliers.
• Recorded sales of about 238 million yen in fiscal year ending March 2018.
• Sales dropped to approximately 160 million yen by fiscal year ending March 2025.
• Financial status remained in a state of excess liabilities.
• Heavy borrowing for equipment expansion and a second factory strained finances.
• Unable to improve cash flow, the company decided to discontinue business.
Summary
Sugawara Kogyo, a Higashihiroshima-based mold manufacturer established in 2003, has halted operations and is preparing for bankruptcy filing due to financial difficulties. The company specialized in producing press molds for automotive parts such as brackets, door hinges, and panels, serving major automakers’ suppliers with comprehensive design and repair services. Despite achieving sales of approximately 238 million yen in 2018, the firm faced unstable orders influenced by automakers’ production and development trends. By 2025, sales had declined to around 160 million yen, with ongoing excess liabilities. Significant loans taken for equipment upgrades and opening a second factory further burdened the company’s finances. With no prospect of improving cash flow, Sugawara Kogyo decided to cease business, carrying an estimated debt of 200 million yen.
