Vertex Shizuoka Official Mascot "Bertie" and a Visit to the "Sites Supporting Social Infrastructure" | I-TEC Factory Tour (Aug 5, Free, First 40 Visitors)

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, we will hold a factory tour in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, where you can see "sites of steel processing not usually open to the public." The event is free of charge and limited to the first 40 visitors.

Participants will receive exclusive novelty items, and a photo session with Bertie will also be held.

The event is hosted by I-TEC Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Representative: Daisuke Ohata), a steel distribution trading company. This is the first time I-TEC is holding a factory tour with the participation of "Bertie," the official mascot of the B.League professional basketball club "Vertex Shizuoka."

Event Overview

The factory tour with "Bertie" was planned with the aim of creating an opportunity for people in the Shizuoka City Shimizu Ward area to become interested in and deepen their understanding of the steel industry and manufacturing.

On the day of the event, we will welcome "Bertie," the official mascot of "Vertex Shizuoka," whom I-TEC sponsors as a top partner, and guide you through our impressive steel processing equipment. During the factory tour, you will be able to see the steel processing equipment and manufacturing processes up close, and experience firsthand how steel products that support our lives and social infrastructure are processed and supplied.

In addition, a photo session with Bertie and the distribution of special novelty items exclusive to participants are planned, making it an event where families and local residents can deepen their understanding of the steel industry while having fun.

Since its founding, I-TEC Co., Ltd. has continued to support social infrastructure through "steel." Through this event, we aim to deepen exchanges with local residents, convey the appeal of manufacturing to the next generation of children and young people, and promote contributions to the local community.

Factory Tour Details

【Event Name】

Factory Tour with Bertie!

【Date and Time】

August 5, 2026 (Wednesday) 14:00 - 15:30 (scheduled)

*Reception begins at 13:30

【Location】

I-TEC Co., Ltd. Shimizu Branch, Floor Slab Business Division

Address: 387-7 Miho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture

【Access】

- For those arriving by car:

Approximately 25 minutes from Shimizu IC on the Tomei Expressway.

*Parking is available on site.

- For those arriving by public transport:

From Shimizu Station, take the Shizutetsu Justline "Miho Yamanote Line" and get off at "Miho Matsubara Iriguchi." Approximately a 13-minute walk from the "Miho Matsubara Iriguchi" bus stop.

*Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S4pvvaaZMHjeE5FF8

【Participation Fee】

Free

【Content】

- Reception: Inside the main gate of I-TEC Co., Ltd. Shimizu Branch, Floor Slab Business Division (from 13:30)

- Movement guided by staff

- Factory tour

- Steel processing equipment viewing

- Photo session with Bertie

- I-TEC x Vertex Shizuoka Special Novelty Distribution

【Capacity】

First 40 visitors

【Target Audience】

Participation is open to all ages.

Elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

*Preschoolers are also welcome (however, please consult us in advance regarding strollers).

【How to Participate】

Please apply from the application form via the URL or QR code below.

https://forms.gle/QRTqLqj39mbKMN2Y6

▲QR Code for Application Form

【Application Deadline】

July 29, 2026 (Wednesday) 17:00

*Registration will close once the capacity is reached, even before the deadline.

【Important Notes for Factory Tour】

*Attire: Long pants, athletic shoes. Heels/sandals are not permitted.

*Safety: Helmets will be provided. Follow staff instructions.

*Health: Bring your own drinks. Take measures against heatstroke.

*Young Children: Preschoolers must be accompanied by a guardian. Consult in advance regarding strollers.

*Prohibited Items: Alcohol consumption, smoking indoors, etc.

【Inquiries Regarding Factory Tour】

I-TEC Co., Ltd. General Affairs Department, Contact: Akiyama

TEL: 054-340-2811

Vertex Shizuoka

Vertex Shizuoka is the only men's professional basketball club in Shizuoka Prefecture, with its home town in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Currently belonging to B.ONE of the B.League (Men's Professional Basketball League), they are active with the slogan "To the most exciting city in Japan through sports." For the 2026-27 season, which begins in September 2026, they will use the "Konohana Arena" as their home arena and aim for an average attendance of over 3,000 people to achieve promotion to B.PREMIER.

- Official Website: https://veltex.co.jp/

▲Vertex Shizuoka Logo cVELTEX SHIZUOKA

About Bertie

Official mascot of Vertex Shizuoka.

In the 2025-26 season's "MASCOT OF THE YEAR," Bertie ranked 6th among all B.League clubs and 1st within the B2 League, where they belonged at the time.

Bertie is loved not only by Vertex Shizuoka boosters (fans) but also by B.League fans and mascot fans.

▼Profile

A confirmed cryptid (UMA). Sometimes known as the "sweet potato" of the B.League, sometimes as a mop, and sometimes called karaage or croquettes, Bertie is a versatile character capable of becoming anything. First-person pronoun is "Ti." With the motto "Love myself even if I can't do something," Bertie enjoys loving and being loved, and the wonders of the human world and cheering, living a relaxed and healthy life.

▼Detailed Profile of Bertie

https://www.bleague.jp/mascot/profile/vs/

▲Bertie cVELTEX SHIZUOKA

About I-TEC Co., Ltd.

I-TEC Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Representative: Daisuke Ohata) was founded in 1923 as a scrap dealer in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (at the time), and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. The company has 35 locations nationwide, including its headquarters in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and has expanded its business by shifting the large-volume transportation of steel materials from steel manufacturers to maritime transport. With the management philosophy "To become a company that is needed by society, the community, and customers," we continue to work towards business expansion as a steel trading company connecting manufacturers and users.

I-TEC will continue to aim to be "a company that is needed by society, the community, and customers" through regional contributions centered around its nationwide locations.

- Official Website: https://www.itec-c.co.jp/

- Various SNS Accounts: https://lit.link/itec1923