Suzumo Machinery

Established in 1961 and listed on the Osaka Securities Exchange (JASDAQ) since 2003, Suzumo manufactures and sells rice processing machinery including sushi robots, rice cookers, mixers etc. The company began as a confectionary equipment manufacturer, eventually unveiling its sushi robot in 1981—allegedly the world’s first—after five years of research and development. The machine was a success, and the company went on to launch a sushi-wrapping robot in 1987 designed for custom sushi takeout orders. And in 2003, Suzumo introduced “Fuwarica”, a robot that dispenses cooked rice into a bowl.

Since then, the company has expanded its portfolio to serve both small kitchens and factories. Today its sushi robots are capable of making 4,800 nigiri balls and 400 maki per hour.

Suzumo’s products offered for small kitchens include;

Sushi roll makers: Available in four models for square shared roll sushi, inside-out rolls, mixed size sushi, and sushi roll cutting.

Nigiri sushi makers: Available in five models including entry-level adjustable robots and more advanced ones with higher production capacities and touchscreens, as well as wrapped sushi makers and related models.

Other rice dish makers: Available in two models which keep rice warm and distribute rice in pre-measured quantities.

The company offers eight machines targeted towards factories, among which are rice ball forming and wrapping machines, sheet rice ball makers, high-volume sushi robots, and more.

Suzumo manufactures all its products in Japan, and exports globally. As of April 2022, the company reported a presence in about 80 countries including North America and Europe with roughly 70,000 customers. In 2003, Suzumo established Suzumo International Corporation, a US subsidiary, to focus on product sales in North America. In addition, it operates a joint venture (JV) in Singapore to promote sales in the ASEAN region. The company’s chief rival is AUTEC, which produces similar sushi making robots.