Fitech CEO Tomonori Hayashi Selected as One of the '34 Leaders Driving 2026' in 'REC AWARD 2026'

Tomonori Hayashi, CEO of Fitech (headquartered in Oguchi-cho, Niwa-gun, Aichi Prefecture), has been selected as one of the '34 Leaders Driving 2026' in the 'REC AWARD 2026' issued by the business magazine Weekly Economist (Mainichi Shimbun Publishing).

'REC AWARD' is an annual project by the 'Weekly Economist', first published in 1923, aimed at 'recording' the words of leaders who are carving out their own paths in these uncertain times, serving as a compass for the future. This year, 34 business leaders were selected for their efforts in creating new value amid significant social and industrial changes.

Regarding the selection, CEO Hayashi said, 'I accept this as an evaluation of our consistent efforts in developing everything from initial household firefighting solutions to large-scale forest fire prevention, and environmentally friendly product development, thereby pioneering new possibilities in disaster prevention and mitigation. In recent years, we have been promoting product development to address diversified fire risks, such as the forest fire extinguishing agent 'FOREST DEFENDER' and the helicopter fire extinguishing agent injection system 'FEI (Fitech Easy Injection)'. Fitech will continue to enhance our R&D capabilities as a fire extinguishing agent manufacturer and contribute to reducing fire damage and realizing a safer and more secure society.'

[Diversifying Fire Risks and the Role of Fire Extinguishing Agent Manufacturers]

In recent years, in addition to familiar fires in homes and businesses, fire risks have diversified to include forest fires and large-scale disasters. With the increase in air conditioner and outdoor unit usage due to rising temperatures in summer, preparation for fires caused by electrical equipment is also becoming increasingly important.

Under these circumstances, fire extinguishing agent manufacturers are expected not only to supply products but also to enhance the effectiveness and safety of disaster prevention and mitigation through product development tailored to the type of fire and site environment. The company states its commitment to playing this role.

[Collaboration with Self-Defense Forces and Fire Departments, Expanding to 48 Countries]

Fitech was established in 2010. Based on technologies cultivated in the fire and disaster prevention field, the company develops and manufactures various fire extinguishing agents and tools, and has expanded its business to 48 countries to date.

Major products include the 'Fitech Throwing Fire Extinguishing Tool' for initial firefighting in homes and offices, fire extinguishing agents for tempura oil fires, fire extinguishing agents for commercial kitchens, and the forest fire extinguishing agent 'FOREST DEFENDER' for forest fire prevention.

In technological development, the company has progressed with collaborations with public institutions. The 'FEI (Fitech Easy Injection)' helicopter fire extinguishing agent injection system, developed to realize Self-Defense Forces operations, is utilized in forest fire prevention measures implemented by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

The business scope goes beyond fire extinguishing agents. Using AI and IT, the company is also involved in the development and operation of 'Passluck', a password management system that safely manages PINs for delivery boxes, expanding its reach on the dual wheels of chemistry and technology.

[Regarding PFAS Compliance]

As social interest in organic fluorine compounds 'PFAS' rises, fire extinguishing agent manufacturers are required to develop products that consider not only fire extinguishing performance but also safety and environmental impact.

Fitech does not use PFAS (organic fluorine compounds) in the fire extinguishing agents it develops and manufactures. (Declaration in August 2025)

Fitech is advancing the development of fire extinguishing agents that consider the reduction of environmental load. The company maintains its policy of continuing R&D from the three perspectives of fire extinguishing performance, safety, and environmental consideration to create products that meet social demands.