20, May 2025, Tokyo, Japan - Victrex (UK, "Victrex"), a global leader in high-performance PEEK polymer solutions, has announced that one of its respected customers in Japan, Nichiei Corporation ("Nichiei"), an ultra-precision moulder of super engineering plastics, has received the Aisin Group Quality Excellence Award from Aisin Co. The award recognises Nichiei's superior manufacturing technology and quality control using the high-performance VICTREX PEEK polymer. The award-winning rod seal is an important component used in electronic stability control (ESC) devices that control skidding in vehicles.
Rod seals, measuring approximately 2 mm in diameter and 15 mm in length, are small components that provide precise hydraulic control in ESC equipment. In a mass production system with a monthly output of 2 million units, Nichiei has achieved an astounding quality record of zero defects for more than 100 million rod seals delivered to Aisin over the past six years, leading to this award.
The Aisin Group Quality Excellence Award is given to the supplier nominated by all four of the main Aisin Group companies. The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation of quality, delivery performance, processing technology and maintenance of manufacturing equipment over the past three years.
The use of VICTREX PEEK reduces component costs by approximately 30% compared to conventional carbon steel, while at the same time providing excellent durability with no deterioration in physical properties or dimensional changes even in a brake oil environment at 120°C.
Nichiei's President and Representative Director, Mr. Sugiura, commented as follows. 'Victrex's PEEK polymer has an excellent performance that meets our high-quality standards and stringent environmental conditions. The high reliability of this material has also made a significant contribution to our ability to achieve zero defects in rod seals, a component that requires extreme precision."
Victrex Japan's Head of Sales, Rentaro Higaki commented, 'We congratulate Nichiei on this prestigious award. We respect Nichiei's advanced technology and commitment to quality that maximises the outstanding performance of our PEEK polymers. Victrex will continue to support innovation in the automotive industry and further improve our products and services through strong partnerships with Nichiei and other Japanese and indeed global customers."
Established in 1975, Nichiei Corporation has boasted top-class technology in Japan in the field of precision plastic moulding, mainly for automotive parts. The company's creed is "to continue to provide 'surprising value' through manufacturing that can only come from taking on difficult and new challenges", and it provides ultra-precision injection-moulded super engineering plastic products using its unique mould technology and moulding processes.
Victrex is an innovative world leader in high performance polymer solutions, focused on the strategic markets of Automotive, Aerospace, Energy & Industrial, Electronics and Medical. Every day, millions of people rely on products or applications which contain our sustainable materials, from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to energy operations and medical devices. With over 40 years' experience, we are moving beyond the polymer into semi-finished and finished products which shape future performance for our customers and our markets, enable environmental and societal benefit for our customers and drive value for our shareholders. Find out more at www.victrex.com
Andrew Hanson, Director of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications & ESG +44 (0) 7809 595831
Melanie Embery, Head of Marketing Communications +44 (0) 1253 898024
Tamu Komazaki, Marketing Communications / TEL: ＋81 (0) 3 5427 4650