HORIBA, which began as the first Japanese maker of glass-electrode pH meters, turned 50 in 2003. Over time, HORIBA has shifted focus from physics and chemistry to the gas analysis, environmental measurement, microanalysis, and medical fields and has seen its analytical instruments contribute to the development of industry. Now, these instruments have gone beyond use in specialized fields and are finding general applications as well. HORIBA has customers in many places, thanks to the company's policy of aiming for the highest performance standards.
HORIBA advanced abroad early on, setting up bases in the Americas and Europe in a bid to capture the global market. The company has also acquired HORIBA ABX, HORIBA JOBIN YVON, and other foreign firms, making it a truly international company.
The company currently has four core segments - semiconductor/scientific systems, medical systems, environmental systems, and engine measurement systems - as well as its Business Development Center, and endeavors to quickly grasp and promptly respond to market needs. In addition, HORIBA Group companies work together in development and sales in order to raise the group as a whole.
Customers have more sophisticated requirements in the 21st century. Not only do they want performance, but low cost and ease of use, among other things. HORIBA, which has maintained the adventurous spirit of its predecessor, HORIBA Radio Laboratory, is constantly seeking new challenges and has set a goal of being No. 1 in analytical instruments.