91福利

• Plant Engineering Division
• Service Solution Division
• Public Private Partnership Division
• International Business Division

Plant Engineering Division

METAWATER intends to pursue further optimization of the design, procurement, and construction processes.

METAWATER is a unique company that fuses mechanical and electrical technologies. We design and construct environmentally-conscious plants incorporating energy saving and energy creation technologies using our unique mechanical technologies and electrical technologies designed to maximize machine capabilities. We are also working to realize a decarbonized society and contribute to SDGs by fusing these technologies and leveraging our product development capabilities.
A shortage of engineers and aging facilities currently pose serious problems in the water and wastewater industry. In the future, changes in the business environment, such as the expansion of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) business, the evolution and expansion of IoT and AI, and progress in work style reforms, will become more evident.
In order to meet the needs of society and customers as a result of these changes, it is essential to implement engineering reforms, and rationalize and streamline operations. By pursuing optimal design, procurement, and construction, the Plant Engineering Division is creating new value and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

Review of “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”

Under METAWATER’s “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”, we have been promoting the development of products with outstanding features, such as products with high environmental performance and products with extremely low life cycle costs, as the best products in the industry (water-droplet type products). In the water supply field, METAWATER has developed an advanced water purifying ceramic membrane system. This membrane system employs ozone/coagulation pretreatment to deliver the highest treatment capacity in Japan. We have also developed Japan’s No. 1 ozone/Accelerated Oxidation Process (AOP) system for ozone injection control capable of controlling by-products (bromic acid). And in the wastewater treatment field, in response to the trend toward a decarbonized society, we have actively developed a variety of power generation technologies for recovering and utilizing waste heat from sludge incineration and digestion gas generated in the wastewater treatment process. We have also introduced high-speed filtration systems and final filters into the sewage treatment process to build sustainable plants using downsizing technologies in response to the declining population and super-ageing society.

Initiatives for Achieving SDGs

Corresponding SDGs

Providing safe, secure, and stable water quality and volume through plant construction by incorporating the latest technologies such as advanced water quality improvement technology, energy-saving technology, clean energy generation technology into aging water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants

Constructing sustainable plants using downsizing technologies in response to declining population and super-ageing society

Developing technologies and implementing solutions for increased sewage inflow due to abnormal weather such as heavy rainfall

Contributing to the development of communities where people can continue to live through improvements in water environment in cooperation with disaster recovery projects mainly along the Tohoku coast

Initiatives for “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2023”

As an organization that plays a key role in METAWATER's core business fields, the Plant Engineering Division will continue to enhance and improve the efficiency of its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) business in Japan, following on from the “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”.

[Future initiatives]

• By leveraging IT and AI, our division aims to centralize the various information and data required in its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) business through a series of value chains to improve engineering efficiency.

• By actively promoting the introduction and utilization of the most advanced engineering techniques, we plan to further streamline, upgrade, and improve the quality of our operations.

Service Solution Division

We will continue to create and provide new services which contribute to the sustainability of our water and environmental infrastructure.

The Service Solution Division is responsible for the maintenance and inspection, repair, operation, and maintenance of machinery and electrical equipment for domestic water and sewage facilities, as well as the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of waste treatment facilities (bulky, non-burnable, and recyclable waste). In the domestic water and wastewater business, while facilities and equipment continue to age, local governments face financial difficulties as well as a shortage of engineers and staff to operate and maintain facilities, and there are high expectations to confront these problems using the know-how and technology of private companies. The Service Solution Division has a nationwide service network of offices in 34 locations. As a company that is always by the customer's side, we provide support for emergency responses such as breakdowns and trouble, as well as offering consultation on the maintenance and management of facilities and equipment.

Review of “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”

Under the “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”, the Service Solution Division has achieved steadily growing sales. We delivered results as planned for both machinery and electrical equipment. In particular, the Resource & Environment Business Division achieved record results in fiscal 2020 due to strong sales in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC).
In addition, we are building a comprehensive operation management system at Head Office, and a stable supply system for specialists capable of handling nationwide projects for rapidly increasing operation management stations. We will continue these initiatives in the future as a stable core business for our company.
The METAWATER Group has been promoting work style reforms to create a safe and comfortable working environment for all employees. However, we recognize that there are still many issues to be addressed, particularly when considering how employees work in the field.
Going forward, we will continue to seek work style reform in the field in order to improve quality through such means as using ICT tools to create systems capable of constant communication within departments, or by employing remote support for ensuring safety and handling technical issues.

Initiatives for Achieving SDGs

Corresponding SDGs

Contributing to the creation and supply of safe and reliable water by maintaining the functionality of water treatment equipment

Contributing to stable operation (maintaining effluent quality) by maintaining the functions of wastewater treatment equipment

Innovation and energy saving in maintenance operations through the provision of new technologies and services, such as automation and unmanned operation

Deploying WBC and SaaS (providing software and software operating environments over the network) services

Designing and operating waste treatment facilities with functions to educate and enlighten local residents on the importance of waste reduction and recycling

Strengthening our service solution business through partnerships with local companies

Initiatives for “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2023”

Under the “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2023”, our division aims to further expand new businesses by utilizing ICT tools and enhancing WBC sales expansion, in addition to achieving stable growth through continuous orders for existing facilities.
In addition, we will continue to actively promote the strengthening of partnerships with local governments and local companies through proposals for core facility improvement projects that extend the life of aging waste treatment facilities without having to close them.
It is important to maintain infrastructure such as water and wastewater facilities and waste treatment facilities even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that has persisted since fiscal 2020, and maintenance, inspection, and repairs must be continued to maintain stable operation at facilities. Various regulations and restrictions are required from the viewpoint of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, we will strive to play an important role in maintaining social infrastructure by leveraging our Group’s strengths, such as community-based services and WBC.

Public Private Partnership Division

Continuing to address and contribute to a solution for the issue of maintaining our water and wastewater business

It is becoming increasingly important to prepare for and address the increase in natural disasters such as localized rainfall, and the accompanying damage. In addition, the environment surrounding water has been changing rapidly in recent years, as the role of self-help, mutual assistance, and public assistance has been reconsidered due to strained public finances caused by a declining population.
Many private companies have been involved in the development of the domestic water and wastewater business, but now private companies are also being required to confront the difficult situations we are facing. To overcome this situation, the government has clearly set forth the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) through the introduction of a variety of legislation.
PPP is widespread not only in the water field, but also in other fields throughout Japan, and there is a growing trend of collaboration with other industries.

Review of “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”

Under the “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”, the Public Private Partnership Division was able to largely deliver on their plan.
In terms of expanding the scope of our business, METAWATER was last year commissioned to operate the new Ariake / Yatsushiro Industrial Waterworks Operation Project in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan's first concession project for industrial water supply, in the Kyushu area. And in the same area, we were also commissioned to continue with the Arao City Water Supply Project (Stage 2). In addition to the development and operation of the Ariake Water Treatment Plant (joint water treatment plant in Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture), which we had already been commissioned to Design, Build and Operate (DBO), we will be entrusted with the management and operation of water from water intake to faucets over a wide area, with the aim of creating economies of scale.
And in terms of existing projects, METAWATER has participated in a comprehensive water supply consignment project for the cities of Nakatsugawa and Gero in Gifu Prefecture, and in seven Design, Build and Operate (DBO) projects. The scope of the operations that METAWATER manages is expanding, and the company is stepping up to become a provider of total solutions. This includes supporting business operations such as management and planning as well as managing water and wastewater pipelines, which have thus far been undertaken by local governments and business entities.
In line with this expansion in the scope of our operations, we are also accelerating our efforts to deepen asset management and establish techniques for ensuring business continuity in the event of disaster. These initiatives will lead to business expansion.

Initiatives for Achieving SDGs

Corresponding SDGs

From design and construction to operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, including machinery and electrical equipment

Proposing added value for the numerous PPP projects that METAWATER is involved in, as well as solutions tailored to the challenges facing local governments, such as technology succession and the deteriorating public finances of water and wastewater businesses

Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for emergencies such as natural disasters (e.g., water supply activities in wake of Kumamoto earthquake in April 2016)

Initiatives for “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2023”

By remotely monitoring and supporting entrusted projects from a bird's-eye view, issues common to each project can be identified, saving labor and streamlining operations, and improving management efficiency. In addition, METAWATER optimizes life cycle costs by establishing physical asset management methods, and promotes innovation in operational management, creating the benefits of ensuring customer business sustainability while simultaneously improving the profitability of our company's business.
In addition, management know-how accumulated over the years is fed back into the business proposal (planning) operations for other projects, which leads to enhanced competitiveness, achieving more appropriate gross profit levels, as well as stable operation after commissioning.
METAWATER proactively addresses diversifying customer needs through in-house development and alliances, such as responding to piping-related operations that go beyond the traditional scope of our business, expanding business coverage and collaborating with other companies, streamlining operations by integrating management with other businesses, and working with local companies.

International Business Division

Accelerating the localization of our business and contributing to solving global water environmental problems

Our International Business Division has been working to expand our business with a focus on the METAWATER Group’s uniquely differentiated products and technologies, in particular, our filtration technology, focusing on the North American and European markets, where environmental regulations are being tightened, and other countries around the world, including Asian countries, where markets are expected to expand due to increase in percentage of population served by water and wastewater. We also plan to accelerate localization in each region.
The environment surrounding the global water business is changing at a dizzying pace, and customer demand is becoming increasingly diverse. In light of this, initiatives directed at water resources for local production for local consumption are becoming increasingly important. The METAWATER Group will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partner companies to provide products and technologies that are optimized to meet local demand and environmental changes, with the aim of becoming a presence that customers in each region can rely on.

Review of “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2020”

• In North America, differentiated technologies such as cloth　media filters and aerobic granular wastewater treatment technology (AquaNereda (R)) deployed by the METAWATER Group’s Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. (AAS) have established a significant presence, and are generating stable profits. In addition, centered around AAS, METAWATER has been rolling out its own water treatment technologies, such as ozone generation systems and ceramic membrane filtration systems.
  In addition, thanks to Wigen Companies, Inc., which joined the Group in April 2000, we are now able to handle more advanced water treatment processes using membrane filtration technology such as the reverse osmosis membrane method and ion exchange technology. We will continue to strengthen our foothold in the market for reclaimed wastewater for drinking, mainly in the southwestern United States, and expand our presence in promising markets such as new demand and private demand in the water supply and wastewater field.

• In Europe, we strengthened our business platform in November 2020 by acquiring all shares of Rood WitBlauw Holding B.V. (RWB) of the Netherlands. Together with our Group companies, Mecana Umweltechnik GmbH of Switzerland, FUCHSE Enprotec GmbH of Germany, and strategic alliance partner PWNT B.V. of the Netherlands, we intend to make the most of our resources to expand our business in Europe.

• In Asia, we delivered the first unit of a new sewage treatment system for emerging countries, our Pre-treated Trickling Filter (PTF) System, to Hoi An in Vietnam. METAWATER will continue to deploy its unique technologies tailored to local needs. We will also use our representative offices in Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Singapore to improve the accuracy of market analysis from a local perspective, thereby steadily expanding our business in the growing Asian market.

• In addition, we have sold a total of 25 in-vehicle ceramic membrane filtration systems to countries in Africa and Southeast Asia for the purpose of improving access to safe water and taking emergency measures in the event of natural disasters such as floods and droughts. In fiscal 2020, we finished work on a model that can be mounted on helicopters, and will continue to address water environment issues by customizing it to meet customer needs.

Initiatives for Achieving SDGs

Corresponding SDGs

Sales of wastewater treatment equipment, reclaimed wastewater treatment equipment for drinking water, and water purification equipment in North America

Deployment of ceramic membrane filtration technology in cooperation with overseas companies

Deployment of advanced energy saving wastewater treatment process in Asia

Deployment of in-vehicle ceramic membrane filtration system

Job creation and education through local subsidiaries, representative offices, and projects in each region

Initiatives for “Mid-Term Business Plan for 2023”

As the threat of the spread of COVID-19 continues, accelerating localization is more important than ever in order to strengthen and expand our overseas operations. By identifying partner companies in various regions, engaging in dialogue with customers around the world, and seriously addressing new water environment issues in each region, METAWATER will continue to create new value by making the most of our Group's collective strengths. We will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by quickly detecting changes in the ever-changing global water environment and continuing to provide solutions.