Nippon Kinzoku Launches Innovative Bands for Whiskey Casks

Nippon Kinzoku Corporation, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has announced the commencement of manufacturing and selling bands for whiskey storage barrels, developed in collaboration with With One Co., Ltd., located in Chuo-ku, Osaka. This new product aims to enhance the durability and precision required for whiskey cask manufacturing, particularly for the burgeoning whiskey production at With One’s Yabu Distillery, established in 2023.

Background and Development Process

With One has initiated whiskey production at its distillery in Hyogo Prefecture and plans to undertake the remaking of storage barrels in-house. Currently, the barrels used for whiskey production are entirely imported from abroad. However, With One expressed a strong desire to source the bands used to tighten the barrels locally.

The challenge lies in the need for accurately shaping the bands to conform to the complex contours of the barrel, especially the tapered angles along the barrel's edge. Many domestic manufacturers have found this task too difficult to execute.

Overcoming Challenges with Advanced Techniques

Amidst this challenge, Nippon Kinzoku’s Fukushima factory, known for its precision processing capabilities, has taken on the task of producing these bands. Leveraging the expertise of skilled technicians, the factory has combined advanced roll forming and shape rolling technologies.

The roll forming process involves shaping thin strips of metal progressively using multiple rolls until achieving the desired final shape, while shape rolling refers to the continuous processing of flat metal into specified cross-sectional shapes. By utilizing these techniques, coupled with high corrosion-resistant coated steel, Nippon Kinzoku has successfully developed a highly accurate ring-shaped band that fits seamlessly with the barrel’s contours. After approximately one year of prototyping and development, mass production is now underway.

Learn more about Roll Forming
Learn more about Shape Rolling

Features and Future Development

The newly developed bands utilize high corrosion-resistant coated steel, ensuring durability under the demanding conditions of whiskey storage. Thanks to Nippon Kinzoku’s proprietary technology, the bands achieve precise fitment to the barrel’s unique shape. Mass production of these bands will commence alongside With One’s plan to start remaking barrels that incorporate this innovative material starting December 2025. Nippon Kinzoku aims to contribute to the advancement of the whiskey industry through this partnership, providing high-quality bands tailored for whiskey casks.

Product Overview

- Material: High corrosion-resistant coated steel
- Size: 2.0mm thickness × 45mm width × approximately 2000mm length

Collaboration and Corporate Information

With One Co., Ltd.

With One is engaged in wholesale and retail operations of alcoholic beverages, as well as managing amusement facilities. They are not only involved in wholesaling but are also crafting their original brand of Japanese whiskey, slated for release in the fall of 2026. Visit With One’s Website

Yabu Distillery

Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Yabu Distillery produces high-quality whiskey by combining ideal aging environments with innovative fermentation techniques, ensuring longevity in flavor and quality. Visit Yabu Distillery’s Website

Fukushima Factory Overview

Nippon Kinzoku’s Fukushima factory specializes in precision processing technologies, and employs experienced and skilled technicians who respond flexibly to diverse customer needs. Visit Fukushima Factory Website

Corporate Vision

Nippon Kinzoku aims to co-create new values that are gentle to both people and the planet. The company focuses on utilizing various materials through unique rolling and composite forming technologies to meet the required performance at the material level, thus contributing to the future of both individuals and the environment. More details about our strategies can be found on our website. Read about Corporate Strategy

Prototyping and Outsourcing Support

Starting from April 1, 2025, Nippon Kinzoku is launching a new service focused on prototyping and outsourced processing to foster new collaborations with customers. This service will utilize the company's existing network and technologies to meet the various development needs. Explore Prototyping Services

Contact for Inquiries

For inquiries related to this release, please contact Nippon Kinzoku’s General Affairs Department at TEL: 03-5765-8100 or visit our contact page here.
For inquiries regarding technical information, please reach out to the Production Process Support Department at TEL: 03-5765-8113 or visit here.