Echigo Iron Works Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture; CEO: Katsuki Oishi), a subsidiary of Prossell Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; CEO: Kazuki Yokoyama) that engages in hardware development and the custom manufacturing of "Oshikatsu" (fan) merchandise, announced on March 27 that, to accommodate business expansion, it relocated and consolidated its headquarters and factory to an area close to the Nagaoka Interchange (IC) starting in March 2026, and has begun full-scale operations.
With this relocation, the floor space has expanded to 1.5 times its previous size. By acquiring its own production base, the company aims to strengthen its integrated production system for large-scale equipment while enabling medium- to long-term capital investment and technological development.
Established in 2018 as a startup from the National Institute of Technology, Nagaoka College (Nagaoka KOSEN), Echigo Iron Works handles a wide range of hardware development, including 3D printing, large custom equipment, and the contract development of small electronic devices. The company is actively engaged in basic research, having successfully researched and developed "Japan's smallest cycloidal drive," and is now advancing toward the commercialization phase.
Furthermore, in recent years, the company has expanded its business into the toC (general consumer) sector, launching a custom manufacturing business for "Oshikatsu" fan merchandise. By applying the "electrochemical machining" technology that CEO Oishi researched while studying at KOSEN, the company succeeded in achieving smooth texture finishes despite using metal 3D printers. This innovation has enabled them to provide high-quality, high-mix, low-volume custom merchandise for influencers and IP holders.
Against the backdrop of this business expansion, the company decided to relocate to the area near the Nagaoka Interchange. With the floor space expanded by 1.5 times, they can now handle the in-house design and assembly of machinery even larger than before. Moreover, establishing a company-owned base is expected to facilitate capital investment and technological development from a broader, medium- to long-term perspective.
Moving forward, the company plans to continue striving to grow its business as a startup deeply rooted in the Niigata and Nagaoka region.
■ ICT Startup League
Launched in fiscal 2023, this support program was triggered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Startup Creation Sprouting R&D Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funding is provided in the form of a subsidy. Additionally, the selection evaluation committee members who participated in selecting the league members provide continuous hands-on support to foster growth post-selection. For companies highly rated as "must-select" by the evaluation committee, a dedicated "fan-style (Oshikatsu)" support system is established, where the committee members themselves continuously offer advice on business plans and provide growth opportunities.
2. Discovery and Cultivation
Providing learning and networking opportunities to accelerate the business growth of league members.
It also aims to broaden the entrepreneurial base by discovering individuals aiming to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Operating as a positive competitive environment akin to a sports league, startups learn together and engage in friendly competition to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million JPY). It also provides a co-creation platform where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions led by the selection evaluation committee.
4. Broadcasting
Promoting the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media! By increasing visibility for these businesses, the program aims to expand opportunities and facilitate new matches.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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Prossell Holdings Co., Ltd. (Official Website)
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Prossell Co., Ltd. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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Echigo Iron Works Co., Ltd. (Official Website)
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Original Press Release
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