Top 10 Paste reduction smelting furnace Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Traders in Japan

Nippon Recycling Tech Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1985 in Yokohama, Nippon Recycling Tech Co., Ltd. (NRT) began as a small engineering firm with a big dream: to make lead acid battery recycling safer and more efficient. Today, it's one of Japan's most trusted names, known for its turnkey recycling lines that integrate every step from battery breaking to metal refining. At the core of their offerings lies the rotary furnace for paste reduction—a centerpiece of their lead acid battery recycling plant designs.

What sets NRT apart is its obsession with customization. "No two recyclers have the same needs," explains Takeshi Mori, the company's senior sales engineer. "A client in Hokkaido might need a compact system for small-scale operations, while a Tokyo-based recycler requires a high-capacity line. We design each furnace to fit their space, budget, and output goals." This flexibility has earned them partnerships with major recyclers across Asia, including a recent project in South Korea to upgrade an aging recycling plant with their latest low-energy rotary furnace.

Tokyo Eco-Engineering Solutions

Tokyo Eco-Engineering Solutions (TEES) was born in 2001, at a time when Japan's environmental regulations were tightening. "We saw a gap: recyclers needed furnaces that met strict emission standards without sacrificing productivity," says CEO Aiko Nakamura. Two decades later, TEES is a pioneer in low-carbon smelting, with its flagship "EcoRotary" furnace boasting a 30% lower energy consumption rate than industry averages.

TEES's commitment to sustainability extends beyond their products. The company runs a "Green Partnership Program," where they donate a portion of profits to reforestation projects in regions affected by lead pollution. "We believe in walking the talk," Nakamura adds. "Our furnaces help clean up the environment, so we're invested in healing it, too." Their clients often praise the EcoRotary's user-friendly interface—a touchscreen control panel that allows operators to monitor temperature, pressure, and emissions in real time, reducing the risk of human error.

Osaka Industrial Furnaces Ltd.

For recyclers handling tens of thousands of batteries daily, Osaka Industrial Furnaces Ltd. (OIF) is the go-to supplier. Founded in 1968, this Osaka-based manufacturer cut its teeth building furnaces for the steel industry before pivoting to recycling in the early 2000s. Today, its 4-shaft shredders and high-capacity paste reduction furnaces are the backbone of Japan's largest lead acid battery recycling plants.

"Our furnaces are built to last," says Hideki Sato, OIF's technical director, tapping the side of a 10-year-old rotary furnace in their Osaka showroom. "This model has processed over 100,000 tons of battery paste and still runs like new. We use 12mm-thick refractory liners and oversized drive systems to handle the toughest loads." It's this durability that makes OIF a favorite among industrial giants, including a recent contract with a Japanese automaker to build an on-site recycling plant for end-of-life vehicle batteries.

Kyoto Eco-Machinery Trading

Not all players in the market manufacture equipment—and that's where Kyoto Eco-Machinery Trading (KEMT) thrives. Founded in 1992, this Kyoto-based wholesaler partners with 15+ manufacturers across Japan, China, and Germany to offer a curated selection of paste reduction furnaces and auxiliary equipment. "We take the guesswork out of sourcing," explains Mai Suzuki, KEMT's purchasing manager. "A recycler in Fukuoka might not have the time to vet 20 manufacturers—we do that for them, handpicking only the most reliable products."

KEMT's strength lies in its network. For small to mid-sized recyclers, buying directly from a manufacturer can be cost-prohibitive; KEMT negotiates bulk pricing and passes the savings along. "We recently helped a new recycler in Nagoya set up their first plant with a package that included a furnace, shredder, and pollution control system—all for 20% less than buying individually," Suzuki notes. They also offer trade-in programs, allowing clients to upgrade old equipment for credit toward new models.

Yokohama LeadTech Systems

Yokohama LeadTech Systems is the new kid on the block, but it's already making waves with its breakthrough low-temperature paste reduction furnace. Founded in 2010 by a team of ex-Toyota engineers, the company set out to solve a critical problem: traditional furnaces operate at 1,200°C, consuming massive amounts of energy. LeadTech's furnace achieves the same results at 900°C, cutting energy use by 25%.

"We asked ourselves: Why use more energy than needed?" says Dr. Emiko Tanaka, LeadTech's chief technology officer. "By optimizing the furnace's internal geometry and using advanced refractories, we found we could achieve complete paste reduction at lower temperatures. It's better for the planet and our clients' bottom lines." The company's first commercial model, launched in 2018, has since been adopted by over 30 recyclers in Japan, including a pilot project with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to test its efficiency in municipal recycling centers.

Tokyo Metal Refining Equipment Co.

Tokyo Metal Refining Equipment Co. (TMRE) has a simple philosophy: recycling shouldn't stop at melting—it should deliver pure, market-ready metal. Since 1972, this Tokyo-based manufacturer has specialized in systems that combine paste reduction furnaces with state-of-the-art refining equipment, turning lead paste into high-purity lead ingots (99.99% purity) ready for reuse in new batteries.

"Recyclers don't just want to process waste—they want to create value," says Kenji Ito, TMRE's sales director. "Our integrated systems ensure that the lead from their paste is so pure, it can be sold directly to battery manufacturers without additional processing." This focus on end-product quality has made TMRE a favorite among recyclers looking to maximize profits. A recent project in Okinawa saw them install a complete line that processes 1,500kg of paste per hour, producing ingots that now supply a local battery factory.

Hiroshima Eco-Furnace Manufacturing

Nestled in Hiroshima's industrial district, Hiroshima Eco-Furnace Manufacturing has built its reputation on making paste reduction accessible to small-scale recyclers. Since 1990, this family-owned business has focused on compact, user-friendly furnaces that don't compromise on performance. "Many of our clients are second-generation recyclers running small plants in rural areas," says Yuki Watanabe, whose father founded the company. "They need equipment that's easy to operate, affordable, and reliable. That's where we come in."

Hiroshima Eco-Furnace's most popular model, the EcoMini-500, is a 500kg/h rotary furnace designed to fit in spaces as small as 200 sq.m. "We've had clients install it in converted warehouses and even shipping containers," Watanabe laughs. "It's simple to maintain, too—most parts can be replaced by a local mechanic, no special training needed." The company also offers free training sessions for new clients, ensuring operators feel confident using the equipment from day one.

Osaka Air Quality Solutions (OAQS)

While not a furnace manufacturer, Osaka Air Quality Solutions (OAQS) is an indispensable partner to Japan's paste reduction furnace suppliers. Founded in 1995, this Osaka-based firm specializes in air pollution control system equipment—critical for ensuring recycling plants meet Japan's strict emission standards. "A furnace is only as good as its pollution control," says Rina Tanaka, OAQS's lead environmental engineer. "Even the most efficient furnace can harm the environment if emissions aren't captured."

OAQS works closely with furnace manufacturers like NRT and OIF to design integrated systems. "When NRT builds a new furnace, we engineer a pollution control system that matches its airflow and emission profile," Tanaka explains. "This ensures minimal energy loss and maximum efficiency." Their systems are so effective that many clients report emissions levels 50% below the legal limit. "A recycler in Kyoto recently won a sustainability award, in part because of our scrubber system," she adds proudly. "That's the impact we strive for."

Nagoya Recycling Machinery Traders

Not every recycler can afford brand-new equipment—and Nagoya Recycling Machinery Traders (NRMT) is here to bridge that gap. Established in 2003, this Nagoya-based wholesaler specializes in buying, refurbishing, and reselling used paste reduction furnaces and recycling equipment. "There's a misconception that used equipment is unreliable," says owner Takashi Yamamoto. "We prove that wrong by completely overhauling every furnace we sell—replacing refractories, upgrading controls, and testing it for 100+ hours before delivery."

NRMT's process is rigorous. Each furnace undergoes a 20-point inspection, including ultrasonic testing of the drum and thermal mapping to ensure even heating. "We recently refurbished a 2010-model OIF furnace for a recycler in Sendai," Yamamoto notes. "It now runs like new, at half the cost of a new unit. And we offer a 2-year warranty—same as the manufacturer." This approach has made them a lifeline for startups and small recyclers, many of whom later upgrade to new equipment with NRMT's trade-in program.

Kobe Precision Engineering Co.

Kobe Precision Engineering Co.

For recyclers embracing Industry 4.0, Kobe Precision Engineering Co. (KPE) is the supplier of choice. Founded in 2001, this Kobe-based manufacturer combines precision engineering with cutting-edge automation, creating paste reduction furnaces that can be monitored and controlled remotely via smartphone or computer.

"The future of recycling is smart," says Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura, KPE's R&D director. "Our furnaces use sensors to adjust feeding rates and temperatures in real time, optimizing efficiency and reducing waste. Operators can check performance from anywhere—even on the train to work." KPE's latest model, the SmartRotary-3000, includes predictive maintenance software that alerts users to potential issues (like worn refractories or bearing strain) before they cause downtime. "A client in Fukuoka saved over ¥5 million last year by fixing a minor issue early, thanks to our alerts," Nakamura adds.