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Misumi Group Honored for Digital Transformation Excellence

On April 10, 2026, Misumi Group, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, was officially recognized as a part of the "Digital Transformation Brand (DX Brand) 2026" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the Information-Technology Promotion Agency. In addition, the company has been awarded the prestigious "DX Grand Prix 2026" as one of the leading companies in the realm of digital transformation, showcasing its exemplary contributions to the industry.

Understanding DX Brands

The designation of DX Brand is awarded to public companies, totaling about 3,800 listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, that have fundamentally transformed their business models and practices through digital technology. The aim is to foster new growth and enhance competitiveness in the age of digital transformation. The selection criteria emphasize the establishment of internal structures that drive DX initiatives leading to elevated corporate value. In 2026, 30 companies, including Misumi, have been honored as DX Brands. Among these, three exceptional firms, including Misumi, have received the esteemed DX Grand Prix for their outstanding efforts in digital transformation.

The Role of AI in Misumi's Strategy

This year's evaluation process emphasized the significance of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in assessing digital initiatives. Misumi Group's commitment to innovation through digital technologies underpins its business model aimed at enhancing the global manufacturing industry. By improving understanding of customer needs, Misumi has been able to innovate processes and create an effective system that supports manufacturing.

The company's offerings range from over 30 million standard parts and consumables to custom-made components designed through 3D CAD, allowing for one-stop procurement through an electronic commerce platform.

Digital and Manufacturing Growth Strategies

In recent years, Misumi has adopted a growth strategy that seamlessly combines digital solutions with manufacturing processes. New digital services related to design and procurement have been launched to elevate the customer experience. Misumi has positioned AI and manufacturing as central to its operations, and is on track to expand its business domain by entering growth industries and acquiring the U.S.-based online manufacturing company, Fictiv, in 2025. This acquisition enhances the company’s capabilities in digital manufacturing, while efforts are ongoing to create an AI-ready environment across operations, core systems, and workforce development.

Key Factors for Recognition

Some noteworthy points that contributed to Misumi's recognition include:

• - Continuous evolution of business models through digital technology-driven process innovation, 'the original' in its field, enhancing production-related procurement and embracing AI in 3D CAD design for unmanned manufacturing, thereby realizing 'unlimited manufacturing'.
• - The clear articulation of its growth strategy, "Digital Model Shift," alongside a defined DX vision led by top management, ensuring company-wide digital initiatives are systematically implemented. Moreover, Misumi focuses on the nurturing of digital talent through practical frameworks and methodologies for talent acquisition and development.
• - Despite the complexity of its business model, Misumi maintains an active dialogue with investors, transparently sharing quantitative results and plans that clarify its growth direction.
• - The historical strength in just-in-time, low-volume procurement has progressed to encompass larger-scale manufacturing processes integrated within its DX strategy. The collaboration with suppliers aligns with social optimization and co-creation models, enhancing operational efficiency.
• - Misumi is effectively building a manufacturing data platform known as the "Creation of Manufacturing Foundations," incorporating the latest technologies including AI.

About Misumi

Misumi Group sells essential machine components, tools, and consumables to over 323,000 companies globally (as of March 2025). Its distinctive business model merges roles of manufacturers and distributors, enabling it to achieve "Global Reliable Short Delivery Times," significantly enhancing customer convenience.

In conclusion, Misumi Group's recognition as a leading DX entity showcases its dedication to innovation and excellence, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in the digital era of manufacturing.