Shimada Machinery

What Shimada Machinery does

Shimada Machine Tool Drives Co., Ltd. is a privately held Japanese manufacturer founded in 1947 and headquartered in Toyokawa, Aichi, specializing exclusively in multi-spindle automatic lathes spanning 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8-spindle configurations. The company is one of fewer than ten manufacturers globally capable of producing multi-spindle automatic lathes and the only one offering the complete 2-to-8 spindle configuration range, having pioneered Japan's first 6-spindle automatic lathe in 1962. Core technology centers on a distributed machining architecture that splits processes across parallel spindles, supported by camless hydraulic drives, AA/BB parallel-cycle strategies, zero-second loading on the 2SI series, and modular automation (Feed, Measure, Wash, Pack modules) for unmanned production. More than 3,000 multi-spindle lathes have been sold cumulatively, with the 2SI series alone surpassing 1,000 installed units.

Shimada serves high-volume precision parts manufacturers across automotive components, fasteners, bolts, marine and motorcycle parts, and general precision machining, with documented customer outcomes including up to 4x productivity gains, 75% machine count reduction, and 50% headcount reduction. In April 2024, the company acquired Citizen Machinery's multi-spindle automatic lathe business, inheriting BNA, M series, and MMA-16 models plus associated overhaul and service obligations, extending both product breadth and recurring service revenue.

The business model combines direct enterprise field sales supported by application engineers in Japan (Toyokawa HQ, Yokohama, Saitama offices) with a global authorized dealer network spanning 30+ countries across Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Oceania; export ratio exceeds 70%. Revenue is generated through hardware sales of CNC multi-spindle lathes, professional services for automation integration and cycle-time-reduction consulting, and after-sales overhaul, retrofit, and parts supply under a quote-based pricing model.

Name

Shimada Machinery

Legal name

Shimada Machine Tool Drives Co., Ltd.

Website

https://smd.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Shimada Machine Tool Drives is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in multi-spindle automatic lathes (2 to 8 spindles), serving high-volume precision parts manufacturers globally through direct sales and a 30-country dealer network. Founded 1947, it is the only producer offering the complete 2-8 spindle configuration range.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathes (Industrial Machine Tools)

NAICS

Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517), Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)

SIC

Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)

akta.pro primary industry

CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers) (IMAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Motion Control Controllers & CNC/Robot Drives (Motion Controllers, Multi-axis) (IMAGACAH)

Keywords

• Multi-spindle automatic lathes
• CNC machine tools
• Lathe automation systems
• Precision metal machining
• Industrial machine manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Toyokawa

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. CNC Multi-Spindle Lathe Sales: Sale of CNC multi-spindle automatic lathes (2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 spindle configurations). The company manufactures and sells complete machine units including B6 series, CN-660, SS-8, HS4200, ST-32, VT4-350, and 2SI series models. Revenue is generated through direct sales and distributor network globally.
2. Automation System Integration: Design, proposal, and implementation of factory automation systems including robots, sensors, software, measurement instruments, and material handling systems. Modular automation components (feed, measure, wash, pack modules) are configured to customer specifications.
3. After-Sales Service & Support: Post-sale support including machine repair, overhaul, retrofit services, and spare parts supply. The company maintains customer relationships through lifecycle support, including service for machines inherited from Citizen Machinery (BNA, M series models).
4. Cycle-Time Reduction Consulting: Engineering consulting practice focused on cycle time analysis, production optimization, and automation proposals. Includes complimentary application assessments and budget estimation services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Shimada Machine Tool Drives Co., Ltd. designs, manufactures, and sells CNC-controlled multi-spindle automatic lathes with 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 spindle configurations, along with modular factory automation systems (feeding, gauging, washing, packing). The company provides complete production-line solutions for high-volume precision metal machining, supported by cycle-time-reduction consulting, after-sales service, and a global dealer and direct-sales network.

Product overview

Shimada Machine Tool Drives Co., Ltd. is a multi-spindle automatic lathe specialist offering a comprehensive portfolio of CNC machine tools and automation systems. The product lineup spans 2-spindle (2SI series: 2SI-8 MK-II, 2SI-6/2SI-8, 2SI-10), 3-spindle (ST-32), 4-spindle (HS4200 horizontal and VT4-350 vertical), 6-spindle (CN-660, CN-660 DSP, B6 Series, ISM B6-27NC, MM-A16), and 8-spindle (SS-8) configurations. The core value proposition centers on distributing machining processes across multiple spindles to achieve the shortest possible cycle times. Complementing the machine tools is the SHIMADA AUTOMATION MODULE system, which provides modular automation components (Feed, Measure, Wash, and Pack modules) for integrated loading, gauging, conveying, and packaging solutions. The company also acquired Citizen Machinery's multi-spindle automatic lathe business in April 2024, expanding its portfolio with the MMA-16 model.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 2SI-8 MK-II 2-spindle 1-turret NC lathe with Y-axis, driven tools, and live center designed for maximum efficiency through parallel machining and simultaneous workpiece load/unload operations.
• 2SI-6 / 2SI-8 2-spindle 1-turret NC lathes delivering dual-operation parallel machining in a single machine footprint by separating machining from loading/unloading to eliminate idle time.
• 2SI-10 2-spindle NC lathe designed for larger workpieces, extending the 2SI series productivity to larger diameter and length components with up to 12-inch chuck capacity.
• ST-32 3-spindle 2-turret NC lathe dividing the cycle into three parallel steps with two independent turrets, reducing cycle time to a fraction of single-spindle machines.
• VT4-350 Vertical 4-spindle 2-NC lathe for heavy and large workpiece machining with parallel processing across four spindles and two independent NC turrets.
• HS4200 4-spindle 2-turret NC horizontal lathe built around the AA/BB machining strategy that splits OP-1 and OP-2 across two stations running in parallel, eliminating process imbalance and shortening cycle time without changing cutting conditions.
• CN-660 6-spindle single-turret NC lathe optimized for two-parts-per-cycle machining, doubling productivity for compact high-precision components.
• CN-660 DSP 2-spindle 1-turret NC lathe in robot-integrated configuration; the integrated two-machine layout enables full automation of production lines.
• B6 Series Cam-driven 6-spindle automatic lathes engineered for high-volume production of small, high-precision parts with cycle times measured in seconds; available in small (B6-16), medium (B6-27), and large (B6-32) diameter configurations with optional NC slides (up to 3 NC slides for 6-axis control).
• ISM B6-27NC 6-spindle automatic lathe with C-axis milling function that consolidates turning, drilling, and milling operations in a single setup for complex part geometries.
• MM-A16 Cam-driven 6-spindle automatic lathe (inherited from Citizen Machinery) delivering fast, stable machining with Hirth coupling for precise indexing (5 arc-second accuracy) and rapid cycloidal indexing reducing idle time to 0.5 seconds.
• SS-8 8-spindle automatic lathe, the flagship model dividing the complete process into eight parallel steps for unmatched productivity in mass production.
• SHIMADA AUTOMATION MODULE Modular factory automation system comprising four categories: Feed Module (vibratory feeders, hoppers, turntables, conveyors, stockers, vision systems, articulated robots, gantry loaders), Measure Module (contact and vision-based measurement with dimensional feedback), Wash Module (air blow, coolant blow, robotic deburring), and Pack Module (pallet changers, palettization, conveyor-based part discharge) - configured to customer specifications for unmanned or lean-staffed production.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 4x higher productivity compared to single-spindle lathes
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Citizen Machinery Co., Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024In April 2024, Shimada succeeded Citizen Machinery's multi-spindle automatic lathe business, including BNA, M series, and other models. Shimada now handles new manufacturing of MMA-16 models, overhaul, retrofit, and after-service parts supply. This transfer extends Shimada's product lineup and customer service capabilities while ensuring continuity for existing Citizen Machinery multi-spindle lathe users.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Okuma Corporation: Major Japanese CNC machine tool builder with turning and multitasking centers. Competes in the same factory buying centers as Shimada but with a much broader portfolio and global installed base.
• DMG Mori: Global CNC machine tool leader with broad portfolio across turning, milling, and additive, including multi-spindle offerings. Competes for the same factory-floor budget but as part of a much wider solution set.
• Yamazaki Mazak: Major Japanese CNC machine tool manufacturer with extensive turning and multi-tasking centers. Competes for high-volume precision turning customers via broader platforms rather than specialized multi-spindle machines.

Direct peers

• Index-Werke: German machine tool builder of multi-spindle automatic lathes (Index MS series) and turning centers. Direct competitor in the multi-spindle lathe category, serving automotive and general precision turned-parts markets across Europe and globally.
• Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry: Japanese multi-spindle and multi-tasking turning center specialist (e.g., JX and WT series). The closest direct competitor to Shimada, offering high-productivity parallel-spindle lathes for similar precision components customers globally.
• Schütte (Alfred H. Schütte): German specialist manufacturer of multi-spindle automatic lathes for high-volume precision components. Direct competitor with comparable technology focus and customer overlap in fasteners and precision parts.
• Tornos: Swiss manufacturer of multi-spindle lathes (MultiSwiss) and Swiss-type turning machines. Direct competitor in the high-precision turned-parts segment, with overlapping customer base in medical, electronics, and watchmaking components.

Emerging players

• Star Micronics: Japanese maker of Swiss-type CNC automatic lathes (SR/SA series). Competes in precision small-diameter turned parts; relevant as a Swiss-type alternative to multi-spindle for certain high-mix, high-precision applications.
• Tsugami Corporation: Japanese specialist in Swiss-type precision turning centers (SS/BS series). Adjacent competitor for precision turned components, with increasing overlap into small-diameter and high-mix applications that historically favored multi-spindle.

Others

• Citizen Machinery: Japanese machine tool builder whose multi-spindle automatic lathe business was acquired by Shimada in April 2024. Now a partial ecosystem partner (aftermarket and transition supplier) rather than a direct competitor in multi-spindle; remaining Swiss-type and single-spindle lines still overlap with Shimada's addressable customers.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shimadamachinetool

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shimada Machinery