Expansion of Sales to ASEAN
Including Prints for Sportswear
ARAIVIETNAM CO.,LTD, a subsidiary of ARAI CO.,LTD. (Kyoto), which manufactures cotton, bedding, and cushions, saw a 28% increase in revenue in the previous fiscal year. The company plans another 10% revenue increase for this fiscal year. Business with Japanese retail chains in the ASEAN region is expanding, and the range of sewn products is being broadened. At the same time, orders for sublimation transfer printing are also increasing.

ARAIVIETNAM is equipped with sewing machines, including quilting machines and comforter-related equipment. In 2023, the company introduced a  sublimation transfer printing machine. Its daily production capacity includes approximately 10,000 cushions of 45x45㎝ , 6,000 pillows of 50x70cm size, and 200 single-sized lightweight comforters.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a contraction in business with major Japanese specialty retailers, the company's firm stance of "taking on challenges without rejecting requests" (as stated by President Hirotaka Oyabu) has led to further expansion into other business opportunities.

For Japanese retail chains in the expanding ASEAN market, ARAIVIETNAM mainly supplies bedding, pillows, and covers. The domestic Vietnamese market, in particular, has seen notable growth, with a 45% revenue increase in the most recent fiscal year.

Sublimation transfer printing primarily receives orders through trading companies and sewing factories. Initially introduced with expectations of use in anime goods and novelty-related items, the company is now also handling printing for Japanese sportswear brands.

Currently, about 80% of orders are for sublimation transfer printing alone. However, the company also provides sewing processing along with printing, enabling it to handle eco bags, simple pouches, and flags.

General Director Oyabu sees significant growth potential for ARAIVIETNAM and is also focusing on employee skill development to enhance operational capabilities.