OKM was founded in 1902 in Shiga Prefecture as a family-run blacksmith that made front-blade saws. After World War II, the family faced a major turning point as more lumber was imported and agricultural tools, including saws, were mechanized. In response to these changes, the company identified growth potential in the valve industry, which was already established as a local industry in Shiga at that time, and shifted its business focus in 1952. In 1962, the family established Okumura Engineering Works Co., Ltd. (now OKM Co., Ltd.), and has continued to grow the business ever since.
Since its founding, OKM has placed importance on confronting challenges. Although we entered the valve industry relatively late, we cultivated our own markets without being bound by conventional paradigms, and refined our ability to develop and customize products by sincerely responding to the diverse needs of each customer.
Today, the OKM Group operates four production facilities in Japan, Malaysia, and China, as well as its own research and development center and demonstration testing facilities. We have set up systems that closely replicate customers’ product usage conditions, enabling us to deliver high-quality, reliable products.
In recent years, OKM has continued to build a strong global presence, securing the world’s top market share for valves used in marine exhaust gas cleaning systems. In recognition of these achievements, the company was selected for the 2020 Global Niche Top Companies Selection 100 List published by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.. We are also contributing to decarbonization by supplying LNG valves and developing products for clean energy sources such as ammonia and hydrogen.
Guided by the OKM Group’s purpose, which is “to deliver flow solutions,” we are partnering with our customers to take on challenges at the forefront of the industry while striving to support sustainable development through unique and innovative fluid control technologies.