ShinMaywa INSIGHT

[Product History] The Fluid Divisoin’s Submersible Pumps

February 05, 2020

We would like to share the history of a key product of the Fluid Division, submersible pumps.

The Beginning:
In 1953, we developed a portable generator by converting a motorcycle engine and combining the engine with a generator. Around the same time, a domestic manufacturer asked us to collaborate on domestic production of an American self-priming engine pump. We handled development of the engine portion, and later on, in response to the growing demand, we began development of our own self-priming pumps.

1950s: Completing our first self-priming pump
Having made our foray into the pump business, we completed our first pump after six months of trial and error in May 1954. This monumental achievement would later develop into a submersible pump. The following year, we began mass production under the nickname “Pointer,” and in 1963, our product acquired the top share of the industry in the self-priming pump field, thus transforming into our new core business.

1960s: Transformation from self-priming pumps to submersible pumps
The reputation of our self-priming pumps caught the attention of an overseas manufacturer, which approached us with an offer. In 1964, they began selling us their submersible pumps, and we entered into a technical alliance to launch domestic production of these pumps.
In the late 1960s, we shifted our focus from self-priming pumps to submersible pumps for civil engineering and equipment applications, areas where we foresaw further demand. This allowed us to meet the strong demand during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth by offering an extensive lineup of products suitable for a number of applications.

An electric submersible pump created through a technical alliance with an overseas manufacturer

Self-priming pump assembly (at the time)

Various submersible pumps for a number of applications

Models were used for advertising purposes

1970 onward: From submersible pumps to the “fluid equipment” business
In the late 1970s, we expanded our product lineup beyond submersible pumps to include a range of products used at sewage treatment plants. In 1992, we established the Ono Plant (Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture) to manufacture water treatment equipment, with the aim of expanding into the fluid business in the future. Today, this plant produces a large variety of water treatment equipment used underground that make our daily lives possible.

If you wish to learn more, we have a video that chronicles our history. Please give it a watch!

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