As of the middle of January Riken Keiki, a major producer of detectors, has been carrying out inspections free of charge of gas detectors at Japanese companies damaged by the flooding in Thailand. This is being done in conjunction with Taiyo Gases, their authorized agents in Thailand.

Demand has been growing not just in Japan but also worldwide for instruments to measure waste gas and the atmospheric gas in coal mines. From quite early on the company has been striving to develop its export market. They have shared the market with US and German producers with both stationary and portable types for industrial use. Riken Keiki has invested in companies in the US, Germany, Brazil, Korea, and Singapore. Furthermore it has a wholly owned subsidiary in Taiwan, and in January of 2010 it opened an office in Shanghai, expanding its operations in Asia. Nearly 20% of its annual sales of 20 billion is earned overseas.

Riken Keiki has been exporting its products to Thailand for over 30 years. As more Japanese companies began moving into Thailand, Riken Keiki entered into sales and maintenance contracts with Taiyo Gases which had done business with Japanese gas companies regarding filling stations and LPG. Already over 1,000 Japanese companies in the areas of electronics, auto components, and precision machinery have moved into Thailand. Well over 100 of these companies use Riken Keiki gas detectors. Among these there are plants which were extremely damaged by the major flooding. In conjunction with Thai based Taiyo Gases it will be inspecting gas detectors free of charge. The company undertook promotional activities regarding these free inspections, targeting 25 centers in Japan as well as headquarters responsible for flood damage countermeasures located in Thai industrial parks. After discussions were held and where a need for repair or calibration was determined, personnel will be dispatched from Riken Keiki or Taiyo Gases to perform the required maintenance. The period for this free inspection program runs from mid January to the end of March. Concerning the current recovery assistance program, Riken Keiki president Tadashi Iwasawa noted, “2011 was a horrendous year both in and outside Japan. It is only natural that we should what we can to help out. If companies approach us, I would like to go all out to help.” In addition to competition from US and German manufacturers, what has recently come into the picture is the business expansion of the Honeywell Group which, based on M&A activity, is putting effort into getting into the detector field. Riken Keiki has shown that it is indeed intent on increasing its ability to compete on an international level.