Fukui Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a manufacturing subsidiary of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., will establish a new research and development base “Ceramic Capacitor R&D Center” near Echizen-Takefu Station in Fukui Prefecture. Construction will commence in Nov. 2023 with the inauguration planned for April 2026.

The establishment of the Ceramic Capacitor R&D Center aims to improve technological capabilities in the development and manufacture of ceramic capacitors, Murata Manufacturing’s core business. By creating a cutting-edge environment dedicated to research and development, Murata aims to facilitate higher-level R&D activities and nurture engineers. Also, the center will also collaborate with other company sites and partner companies. Specifically, it aims to strengthen Murata’s capabilities in monozukuri (manufacturing) across the entire production process from product development to mass production.

Going forward, Murata will continue to drive advancements in its technological capabilities. Generally, it aims to provide innovative products and technologies to society and contribute to further growth in the electronics market.

Overview of Facility

In particular, the new R&D center in Oyacho, Echizen City in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture will have a floor area of 42,071m² with five stories above ground. The company estimates total investments to amount to approx. 35 billion yen (US$232 million) for the land and building. Also, it projects to employ 800 employees over time.

Site Concepts

1. Enhancing development capabilities

Mainly, the center will accelerate development of new products and new production processes. Specifically, it has floors dedicated to R&D and an environment for the creation of new production processes and products. Also, it will collaborate with the geographically close Yasu Materials & Technology Development Division. Moreover, the center will spur innovation by providing an environment where people with different values and ideas can gather and communicate easily.

2. Developing engineers

The center will aim to improve Murata’s monozukuri capabilities for ceramic capacitors. It will provide an environment where new hires, young employees, and engineers from affiliated companies can learn manufacturing basics and delve deeper into mechanisms.

3. Coexistence with the local community

In addition to greening around the building exterior, the center will promote the creation of spaces that blend with the surroundings. Also, it is considering facility tours, internships, and accepting evacuees in times of disaster or when people are unable to return home. The company will aim to make the site rooted in the community.

4. Environmental considerations

Within the premises, the company has plans to develop a green space open to local residents. Also, the center will have highly insulated exterior walls and window frames, air-conditioning and lighting controls linked to equipment and human activity, solar power generation facilities, and various other energy-saving and renewable energy technologies to aim for the achievement of ZEB Oriented*.

*ZEB Oriented: For large-scale offices, schools, factories, etc. with 10,000 sq. meters or more of floor space, achieving 40% energy savings compared to standard values set by the national government