MERF Inc.
Japanese non-ferrous metals trading and manufacturing company, formerly Kurotani Corporation, known for copper alloy ingots and marine propeller materials.
Last updated September 29, 2026
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Overview
MERF Inc. (株式会社MERF) is a Japanese company headquartered in Imizu, Toyama Prefecture, engaged in the sale of non-ferrous metals and copper products, the manufacture and sale of copper and aluminum alloys, and the manufacture and sale of arts and crafts. The company traces its origins to 1870, when Kurotani Tsujijiro began selling art copperware, copper bullion, and brass in the Imizu district of Kanazawa Domain (present-day Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture). It was incorporated in 1967 as Kurotani Co., Ltd., later renamed Kurotani Corporation, and changed its name to MERF Inc. in January 2025. MERF's core business is the collection and recycling of metal resources. The company describes itself as having a dynamic comprehensive collection capability, gathering metal resources from around the world. It manufactures and sells copper alloy ingots, and supplies materials for large ship propellers, claiming the world's largest share in this segment. It also produces and sells art and craft objects, leveraging its metallurgical techniques. The company operates a head office and factory in Imizu, Toyama, a Tokyo branch, and a Niigata office. Overseas, it has subsidiaries KUROTANI NORTH AMERICA INC. in Oregon, United States, and THAI KUROTANI CO., LTD. in Bangkok, Thailand, with a factory in Chonburi. In 2025, its U.S. subsidiary CMX Metals acquired the business of California Metal-X in California. MERF has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 2011, moving to the First Section in 2018 and to the Standard Market in 2022. The company emphasizes sustainability through resource recycling and transparent corporate activities. Its representative director and president is Kurotani Akira. As of its company profile, it has capital of 1 billion yen and 130 employees.
History
The origins of MERF date to 1870, when Kurotani Tsujijiro began selling art copperware, copper bullion, and brass in the Imizu district of Kanazawa Domain, present-day Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. In the autumn of 1946, Kurotani Shoten was founded, focusing on the sale of non-ferrous metal materials. In April 1967, the business was incorporated as Kurotani Co., Ltd. with capital of 30 million yen. In November 1985, Kurotani Toshio acquired all shares of Shin-Nihon Bijutsu Co., Ltd., a company engaged in the production and sale of art castings and the refining, processing, and sale of non-ferrous metals. In January 1986, the head office moved to Nishimachi, Takaoka, and a Kosugi sales office was opened in Imizu District (closed in August 1993). In March 1986, the company changed its name to Kurotani Corporation. In October 1986, the head office and factory were newly built and relocated to Nago-no-e, Shinminato City (present-day Imizu City), and Tokyo and Niigata sales offices were opened. In April 1992, an Osaka sales office was opened to expand arts and crafts sales (closed in August 2008). In March 1993, Techno Cast Co., Ltd. was established for the manufacture and sale of copper alloy ingots for extrusion and the sale of non-ferrous metal raw materials. In April 1993, all shares of Art and Craft Co., Ltd. were acquired. In August 1994, all shares of Shin-Nihon Shoji Co., Ltd. were acquired. In October 1994, Techno Cast was merged to expand the head office factory facilities. In February 1995, Shin-Nihon Shoji and Art and Craft were merged. In August 2000, the company obtained ISO9001 certification. In January 2005, it obtained AQSIQ accreditation. In June 2007, it was selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as one of the "300 Vibrant Small and Medium Manufacturing Companies." In March 2008, it obtained ISO14001 certification. In June 2011, it listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In October 2011, it obtained OHSAS18001 certification. In July 2012, it established KUROTANI NORTH AMERICA INC. in Oregon, United States. In August 2014, it established THAI KUROTANI CO., LTD. in Bangkok, Thailand. In January 2015, the company changed its name to Kurotani Corporation. In July 2017, it obtained export approval for Basel Convention-regulated cargo. In August 2017, Thai Kurotani obtained an AQSIQ license. In July 2018, it was designated as a First Section stock on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In April 2022, it changed to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market. In January 2025, the company changed its trade name to MERF Inc. and its U.S. subsidiary CMX Metals acquired the business of California Metal-X. In June 2025, it established MERF Logistics Co., Ltd.
- 2025
Changed trade name to MERF Inc.; U.S. subsidiary CMX Metals acquired California Metal-X business; established MERF Logistics Co., Ltd.
- 2022
Changed to the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market.
- 2018
Designated as a First Section stock on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
- 2017
Obtained export approval for Basel Convention-regulated cargo.
- 2015
Changed trade name to Kurotani Corporation.
- 2014
Established THAI KUROTANI CO., LTD. in Bangkok, Thailand.
- 2012
Established KUROTANI NORTH AMERICA INC. in Oregon, USA.
- 2011
Listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
- 2008
Obtained ISO14001 certification.
- 2007
Selected as one of METI's "300 Vibrant Small and Medium Manufacturing Companies."
Products and positioning
A resource-recycling-oriented non-ferrous metals company with global collection capabilities and a leading share in marine propeller materials.
Copper alloy ingots
Manufactured and sold for extrusion and other applications.
Marine propeller materials
Supplies materials for large ship propellers, claiming the world's largest share.
Art and craft objects
Manufactured and sold using advanced metallurgical techniques.
Non-ferrous metal materials
Trading and sale of various non-ferrous metals and copper products.
Sources6 sources
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