NK Works
NK Works is a Tokyo-based, privately held specialized industrial-machinery trading company that imports and distributes precision manufacturing equipment from overseas principals (SwissChuck, 5thAXIS, WTO, SUNNEN, HAAS, HEIDENHAIN, etc.) to Japanese manufacturing companies, supplemented by an in-house parts-processing division.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What NK Works does
NK Works Co., Ltd. (NKワークス株式会社) is a Tokyo-based, privately held specialized industrial-machinery trading company (専門商社) founded circa 1974 and headquartered in Chiyoda-ku. The company operates as an import specialist that localizes and distributes precision manufacturing equipment from a portfolio of overseas principals — including SwissChuck (multi-blade collet chucks), 5thAXIS (workholding vises), WTO (NC-lathe tool holders), SUNNEN (honing systems), HAAS Automation (CNC machine tools), POCKET NC (desktop 5-axis CNC), HEIDENHAIN (encoders and touch probes), GPAINNOVA/DLyte (dry electrolytic polishing), JDM Tech (5-axis calibration), Kelch (spindle pull-force measurement), HWR (4-jaw chucks), P-Laser (laser cleaning), Original AVG/EXPEL (compressed-air filtration), and Digital Way (tool monitoring), among others. The combined portfolio covers workholding, cutting tools, machining centers, finishing, measurement, calibration, fluid control, and digital-monitoring applications for production engineers.
The business model is primarily B2B import-margin resales: NK Works purchases equipment from overseas manufacturers, holds Japanese-market distribution rights (exclusive or semi-exclusive for several principals), and sells to Japanese manufacturing companies through direct enterprise sales, a self-service e-commerce storefront (nk-works-ec.com, launched April 2021), and an active trade-show motion (JIMTOF, FOOMA JAPAN, SeaJapan, MECT, Grinding Technology Japan). Pricing is non-public and quote-based. In April 2023, NK Works absorbed NK Job Shop Co., Ltd. as an in-house Job Shop Division, adding parts-processing services and a second revenue stream alongside product distribution. The company also operates an R&D center for product evaluation and runs content marketing via blog, newsletter, YouTube, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
Ownership is private with no disclosed parent company, no public listing, and no funding rounds. Headcount is 51–100 employees. The only named member of management is 三羽和紀, identified as the operations-oversight responsible person (運営統括責任者). Revenue, ownership structure, and equity details are not publicly disclosed.
NK Works firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NK Works
- Legal name
- NKワークス株式会社
- Website
- https://nk-works.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- NK Works is a Tokyo-based, privately held specialized industrial-machinery trading company that imports and distributes precision manufacturing equipment from overseas principals (SwissChuck, 5thAXIS, WTO, SUNNEN, HAAS, HEIDENHAIN, etc.) to Japanese manufacturing companies, supplemented by an in-house parts-processing division.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NK Works industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Machinery Distribution
- NAICS
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing (3332), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)
- SIC
- Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Production Operations & Shop Floor Systems (MPS, MES basics) (EDAOAGAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Instrumentation & Process Control (I&C) (EDAOABAF)
Keywords
Where NK Works is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
NK Works business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Industrial machinery product sales: NK Works operates as an import specialist trading company, purchasing industrial machinery and precision equipment from overseas manufacturers (Swiss, German, American brands) and selling to Japanese manufacturing companies. Revenue comes from the margin on imported products sold to customers, plus after-sales service and support.
- Online e-commerce sales: Products are available for purchase through the company's online shop (nk-works-ec.com), enabling direct sales to smaller customers and individual buyers.
- Parts processing services: NK Job Shop division provides parts processing/job shop services, adding service revenue alongside product sales.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
NK Works product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NK Works is an import-specialist industrial machinery trading company that imports precision machining equipment, tool holders, chucks, vises, honing machines, CNC machine tools, laser cleaning systems, measurement/inspection devices and consumables from overseas manufacturers and sells them to Japanese manufacturing companies. It also operates the NK Job Shop parts processing division and an e-commerce storefront (nk-works-ec.com) for smaller buyers.
Product overview
NK Works operates as an industrial machinery trading company (専門商社) offering a comprehensive portfolio of precision manufacturing equipment. The product lineup includes SwissChuck multi-blade collet chucks and WTO high-rigidity tool holders for CNC lathes, 5thAXIS precision vises with quick-change RockLock systems for machining centers, POCKET NC desktop 5-axis CNC machines for prototyping and education, SUNNEN honing systems for precision bore finishing, P-Laser non-contact laser cleaning equipment, GPAINNOVA DLyte dry electrolytic polishing machines (desktop and production-scale), HEIDENHAIN precision measurement systems including touch probes and linear gauges, JDM Tech laser calibration systems for 5-axis machine accuracy verification, KELCH spindle pull-force measurement devices, and Original AVG EXPEL compressed air filtration systems. The company serves manufacturing engineers with products spanning workholding, machining, finishing, measurement, and quality control applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SwissChuck Multi-Blade Collet Chuck LZK / LZK-S Long-stroke multi-blade collet chuck for lathes combining the large stroke of a 3-jaw chuck with the high centering accuracy of a collet chuck, suited for thin-walled workpieces and pipes. Repeat runout accuracy is maintained below 0.01mm.
- WTO NC Lathe Tool Holders High-rigidity tool holders for NC lathes including QuickFlex quick-change holders, broaching units, CoolSpeed high-speed rotary tool holders up to 80,000 RPM, gear hobbing units, and power skiving units for gear and spline machining.
- 5thAXIS Vises and Centering Vises Precision vises for 3-5 axis machining centers including the high-grip X-series (22.2kN), DV double-station series, dovetail fixtures, RockLock quick-change system (95% work-exchange time reduction, 8μm repeatability), and THE LITE VISE lightweight series for automation.
- POCKET NC Desktop 5-Axis CNC Desktop 5-axis CNC machining centers (V2-10 and V2-50 CHB/CHK) for offices, classrooms, labs and home use, operating on 100V power, capable of processing titanium up to G5 hardness, aluminum, and resins. Applications include prototyping, education, and small parts production.
- SUNNEN Honing Machines Precision honing machines including vertical (SV-15, SV-2000, SV-2500), horizontal (MBB-1660, SH-4000 series), tube hone (HT series, HTA-HTD), and portable hone tools for bore sizing, crosshatch patterns, and sub-micron tolerance finishing.
- P-Laser Laser Cleaning Equipment Non-contact laser cleaning systems (50–2000W) for rust removal, surface cleaning, mold cleaning, coating removal, and pre-treatment, featuring no consumables, dry processing, and CleanSweep software for pattern setup.
- GPAINNOVA DLyte PRO500 Dry Electrolytic Polishing Machine Mass-production dry electrolytic polishing machine using free solid electrolyte particles for metal surface finishing, smoothing, mirror finishing, deburring, and R-edge machining, with 1–8 perimeter spindles and roughly 10x processing speed compared with existing technologies.
- GPAINNOVA DLyte Desktop PRO Desktop Electrolytic Polishing Machine Ultra-compact desktop electrolytic polishing machine (450mm × 520mm) for molds, precision parts, and cutting tools, processing cobalt chrome, titanium, stainless steel, copper, nickel, aluminum, and steel from grinding to mirror finish.
- HEIDENHAIN Touch Probes Touch probes (TS series) for machining centers with optical sensors (500 million+ measurements without contact wear), built-in air blower for cleaning, and collision protection. TT series tool length/diameter measurement systems are also offered.
- HEIDENHAIN Linear (High-Accuracy) Gauges High-precision linear gauges and digital display counters for position measurement in semiconductor, LCD manufacturing, and precision machine tools, featuring absolute encoders (AT series) and incremental encoders (CT, MT, ST series).
- JDM Tech LRT 5-Axis Calibration System Laser R-Test system for measuring 3-axis and 5-axis simultaneous motion accuracy in 5-axis machine tools, featuring non-contact measurement, wireless operation, WiFi data collection, ±20mm probe range, 0.05μm resolution, and automatic error correction for various NC systems.
- JDM Tech α1 Laser 3D Probe for 5-Axis Machining Centers Non-contact laser 3D probe for 5-axis machining center calibration, reducing geometric error detection time versus traditional touch probe methods, with Bluetooth communication, 0.05μm resolution, and no glass sphere wear.
- KELCH Safecontrol 4.0 Spindle Pull-Force Measurement System Digital spindle pull-force measurement system for workholding safety, measuring 0–100kN with 0.5% accuracy, supporting BT, HSK, and PSC interfaces, with Bluetooth tablet/PC connectivity and Industry 4.0 QR-code-based spindle identification and tracking.
- Original AVG EXPEL High-Performance Air Filter High-performance compressed air filter removing 99.999% of water, oil emulsion, and 1μm solid particles through patented internal structure, offering up to 10 years of maintenance-free operation.
- SEGE Machine Tool Safety Windows Safety windows for machine tools combining polycarbonate and tempered safety glass with stainless steel frames for long-term transparency, durability, and easy installation. Used on lathes, machining centers, and grinding machines.
- ROWND Desktop CNC Lathe Compact desktop 4-axis NC lathe (750x450x450mm) with 3000 RPM max spindle speed, 4-stepper motors, and optional laser marking capability, intended for prototyping, classrooms, and laboratories.
- Digital Way Watt Pilot Tool Monitoring System Real-time machine monitoring system that connects to motor wiring on any machine control panel without additional sensors, enabling comprehensive process monitoring of all types of machine tools.
- NK Job Shop Parts Processing Service Parts processing / job shop services integrated into NK Works as the NK Job Shop Division, providing contract machining of parts alongside the company's equipment distribution business to add value for customers needing both equipment and parts manufacturing.
- HWR INOFlex 4-Jaw Chuck with Compensation Function German HWR 4-jaw chucks with compensation function for thin-walled cylindrical workpieces; INOFlex series and VL large-work chuck series reduce workpiece deformation from 0.17mm to 0.03mm for thin-walled parts.
- NK Works Online Shop (nk-works-ec.com) Self-service e-commerce storefront operated by NK Works enabling direct online purchase of products such as Rocklock vise bases, SUNNEN portable hones, ROWND desktop CNC lathes and other equipment, with a nationwide flat 799 yen shipping fee.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10-year maintenance-free capability for EXPEL air filters
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use NK Works
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
NK Works technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
NK Works partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SwissChuckcoreSwissChuck is a Swiss manufacturer of precision collet chucks and multi-blade clamping systems. NK Works distributes SwissChuck products in Japan, including the LZK/LZK-S multi-blade collet chucks that achieve repeat runout accuracy below 0.01mm.
- 5thAXIScore5thAXIS is an American manufacturer of machining center vises and workholding equipment established in 2004. NK Works distributes 5thAXIS products in Japan including the X-series high-holding-force 5-axis vises, Rocklock quick-change system, and daftail fixtures. The X-series achieves 22.2kN clamping force with 75mm jaw width.
- WTO (W TEcoreWTO is a precision tool holder manufacturer whose products NK Works distributes in Japan. Products include QuickFlex quick-change tool holders, broaching units, CoolSpeed air turbine high-speed rotation tool holders (up to 80,000 RPM), gear hobbing units, and power skiving units for gear and spline machining.
- SUNNENcoreSUNNEN is an American manufacturer of honing machines and systems. NK Works distributes SUNNEN products in Japan, including vertical/horizontal honing machines, tube hones, portable hones, and tool/mandrel units for precision bore finishing.
- POCKET NC (Penta Machine)corePenta Machine's POCKET NC brand of desktop 5-axis CNC machines is distributed by NK Works in Japan. Products include V2-10 and V2-50 models capable of machining up to Grade G5 titanium, with applications in prototyping, education, and small parts production.
- HAAS AutomationcoreHAAS Automation is North America's largest CNC machine tool manufacturer. NK Works sells and services HAAS machining centers and CNC lathes in Japan, covering 3-axis to 5-axis models in small to large sizes.
- HEIDENHAINcoreHEIDENHAIN produces encoders, linear gauges, touch probes, and tool setters. NK Works distributes HEIDENHAIN products including TS series work touch probes with no-contact wear and optical sensors for machine tool measurement applications.
- GPAINNOVA (DLyte)coreGPAINNOVA is a manufacturer of dry electrolytic polishing systems. NK Works distributes DLyte products in Japan including the DLyte Desktop PRO compact electrolytic polishing machine (450x520mm) and the larger DLyte PRO500 for mass production surface finishing.
- JDM TechcoreJDM Tech manufactures 5-axis machine calibration systems. NK Works distributes JDM Tech products in Japan including the α1 (Alpha1) laser 3D probe for non-contact 5-axis machining center calibration and the LRT laser R-Test system for measuring multi-axis simultaneous motion.
- Kelch (KELCH)coreGerman manufacturer Kelch produces the Safecontrol 4.0 digital spindle pull-in force measurement system. NK Works distributes Kelch products in Japan, with the system capable of measuring pull-in forces up to 100kN and supporting various taper interfaces (BT, SK, HSK, PSC).
- HWRcoreHWR is a German manufacturer of 4-jaw chucks with compensation function, including the INOFlex series and VL large-work chuck series. NK Works distributes HWR products in Japan, with the INOFlex achieving workpiece deformation reduced from 0.17mm to 0.03mm for thin-walled cylindrical workpieces.
- P-LasercoreP-Laser manufactures laser cleaning equipment that performs cleaning without contact using laser technology. NK Works distributes P-Laser products in Japan, with 50-2000W laser power options for removing rust, coatings, and contaminants from metal surfaces.
- Original AVG (EXPEL)coreUK manufacturer Original AVG produces the EXPEL high-performance air filter series. NK Works distributes EXPEL products in Japan, with the unique internal structure providing 99.999% removal of water, oil emulsion, and 1μm solid particles from compressed air, supporting up to 10-year maintenance-free operation.
- Digital Way (Watt Pilot)coreDigital Way manufactures the Watt Pilot tool monitoring system for real-time monitoring of all types of machine tools. NK Works distributes Digital Way products in Japan.
- mimaticminormimatic is an Italian manufacturer of rotary tool holders. NK Works distributes mimatic LTM tools in Japan, featuring easy maintenance management of rotation speed, temperature, and other parameters.
- ROWNDminorROWND is a manufacturer of tabletop CNC lathes. NK Works distributes ROWND CNC products in Japan - a compact 4-axis CNC lathe (750x450x450mm) with 3000 RPM spindle and optional laser marking capability.
- Christian Bewer (pintec)minorGerman manufacturer Christian Bewer produces the pintec modular clamping tool system for coordinate measuring, laser marking, and marking machine applications. NK Works distributes pintec products in Japan.
- SEGEminorSEGE specializes in safety windows for machine tools, combining glass and polycarbonate for long-term transparency, durability, and safety. NK Works distributes SEGE products in Japan for lathes, machining centers, and grinding machines.
- COAXminorCOAX is mentioned as the company that developed the world's first coaxial valve. NK Works distributes COAX high-pressure/high-flow coaxial direct-acting valves in Japan, capable of handling pressures up to 100MPa for gas, liquid, viscous fluids, and contaminated fluids.
- smartecminorsmartec produces high-pressure coolant nozzles. NK Works distributes smartec products in Japan.
- GDSminorGDS produces grinding wheel balancer systems and precision grinding arbors. NK Works distributed GDS products in Japan (though GDS product sales were transferred to Former Japan Co., Ltd. from January 1, 2023).
- FRESMAKminorSpanish manufacturer FRESMAK produces heat-adhesive work holding systems. NK Works distributes FRESMAK products in Japan.
- SCS (Steel Coolant Nozzles)minorSpanish manufacturer SCS produces steel coolant nozzles. NK Works distributes SCS products in Japan.
- Baker Hughes (Industrial Endoscopes)minorBaker Hughes produces industrial videoscopes for non-destructive visual inspection. NK Works distributes Baker Hughes Everest Mentor series products in Japan for product inspection and maintenance applications.
- HI-TAK (Gun Drill Machines)minorHI-TAK produces gun drill machines for precision deep hole drilling. NK Works refers customers to HI-TAK products in Japan.
- ROMAIminorROMAI is an Italian manufacturer of lathe tool holders. NK Works distributes ROMAI products in Japan.
- Wogaard (Coolant Saver)minorUK manufacturer Wogaard produces the Coolant Saver. NK Works distributed Wogaard products in Japan.
- AVANTECminorAVANTEC is listed as one of the efficiency equipment manufacturers distributed by NK Works in Japan.
- BRUCKNERminorBRUCKNER is listed as one of the efficiency equipment manufacturers distributed by NK Works in Japan.
- DEUBLINminorDEUBLIN is listed as one of the efficiency equipment manufacturers distributed by NK Works in Japan.
- KNOLLminorKNOLL is listed as one of the efficiency equipment manufacturers distributed by NK Works in Japan.
- MAQminorMAQ is listed as one of the efficiency equipment manufacturers distributed by NK Works in Japan.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
NK Works competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Fastenal Company: Fastenal is one of the largest US industrial supply distributors, operating a blend of on-site vending, branch, and digital channels. Compares as a broad industrial supply-chain incumbent relevant to NK Works' mix of trading plus emerging e-commerce and onsite services.
- Grainger: Grainger is North America's largest broad-line industrial supply distributor serving businesses and institutions with MRO products. Comparable as a mature, broad incumbent in industrial supply distribution against which NK Works' specialty positioning sits.
- WESCO International: WESCO is a Fortune 500 global distributor and supply chain solutions provider for electrical, communications, and utility products. Thematically adjacent broad incumbent in industrial distribution services relevant to NK Works' potential to scale beyond trading into integrated services.
- MSC Industrial Direct: MSC Industrial is the largest specialty distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations products in North America. Closest US-based analog to NK Works as a multi-brand distributor of precision tooling, workholding, and MRO to manufacturers.
- MonotaRO: MonotaRO is Japan's largest industrial MRO e-commerce marketplace operated by Sumitomo Corporation, serving small and mid-sized manufacturers with consumables, tools, and indirect materials. A larger incumbent showing the digital scaling of NK Works' own e-commerce ambitions.
Regional players
- Hoffmann Group: Hoffmann Group is Germany's leading specialist trading and catalog supplier for precision tools, metrology, and workshop equipment, importing and distributing international brands to industrial customers in Europe. Highly comparable multi-brand specialty industrial trading model in a different geography.
Direct peers
- Misumi Group: Misumi Group operates a leading Japanese online industrial parts catalog and rapid-delivery supply business for mechanical components, factory automation, and tooling. Comparable to NK Works as a Japan-anchored industrial components B2B supplier increasingly competing in the same e-commerce catalog for small manufacturers.
- NAIGAI TRANS LINE: NAIGAI is a Japanese industrial equipment trading company importing and distributing precision instruments, factory automation, and machine tool-related equipment from overseas manufacturers. Directly comparable to NK Works in target customer and product category.
- Yamazen Corporation: Yamazen is one of Japan's largest specialty trading houses for factory automation equipment, machine tools, and industrial machinery, importing and distributing products from overseas manufacturers to Japanese industrial customers. Directly comparable to NK Works' multi-brand import-and-distribute model.
- Kanematsu KGK: Kanematsu KGK is a Japanese trading company specializing in machine tools, factory automation, and industrial equipment, importing and distributing products from leading overseas manufacturers. It is the closest direct peer to NK Works and is even referenced as a co-exhibitor in NK Works' own exhibition and social media content.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
NK Works social profiles
Digital presenceNK Works financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NK Works leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
NK Works subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
NK Works funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NK Works M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about NK Works
What does NK Works do?
NK Works is an import-specialist industrial machinery trading company that imports precision machining equipment, tool holders, chucks, vises, honing machines, CNC machine tools, laser cleaning systems, measurement/inspection devices and consumables from overseas manufacturers and sells them to Japanese manufacturing companies. It also operates the NK Job Shop parts processing division and an e-commerce storefront (nk-works-ec.com) for smaller buyers.
Is NK Works a public or private company?
NK Works is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was NK Works founded?
NK Works was founded in 1976. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is NK Works based?
NK Works is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does NK Works make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Industrial machinery product sales are the primary driver. The others are online e-commerce sales and parts processing services.
Who are NK Works's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Fastenal Company, Grainger, WESCO International, MSC Industrial Direct and MonotaRO. Hoffmann Group is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Misumi Group, NAIGAI TRANS LINE, Yamazen Corporation and Kanematsu KGK.
Does NK Works have an API?
No public API is recorded for NK Works.
What industry is NK Works in?
NK Works's product category is Industrial Machinery Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAGAH, Production Operations & Shop Floor Systems (MPS, MES basics), with a secondary code of EDAOABAF, Instrumentation & Process Control (I&C). Its NAICS code is 3332 and its SIC code is 3541.