Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd. Opens In-House Factory (Senju America Inc. Plant No. 2) Near Chicago, USA
Key facts
- Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd. Opens In-House Factory (Senju America Inc. Plant No. 2) Near Chicago, USA
- Senju Sprinkler has established an in-house factory at Senju America Inc.'s second facility in Wheeling, Illinois, to begin local production of 'RC-RES' concealed sprinkler heads in June. This move aims to mitigate tariff-related cost increases and build a stable supply chain for the North American market.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 29, 2026
Direct answer
Senju Sprinkler has established an in-house factory at Senju America Inc.'s second facility in Wheeling, Illinois, to begin local production of 'RC-RES' concealed sprinkler heads in June. This move aims to mitigate tariff-related cost increases and build a stable supply chain for the North American market.
- Citation
- Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd. Opens In-House Factory (Senju America Inc. Plant No. 2) Near Chicago, USA (May 29, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 29, 2026
Senju Sprinkler has established an in-house factory at Senju America Inc.'s second facility in Wheeling, Illinois, to begin local production of 'RC-RES' concealed sprinkler heads in June. This move aims to mitigate tariff-related cost increases and build a stable supply chain for the North American market.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 29, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 30, 2026 at 23:37 (27h 37m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 30, 2026 at 23:38 (0 min after Collected)
Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of fire sprinkler heads, has opened an in-house factory at its group company Senju America Inc.'s second facility in Wheeling, Illinois (Chicago suburbs). The plant will commence local production of residential concealed sprinkler heads (model: RC-RES).
## Background and Purpose
The company began sales in the US in the 1990s and established its subsidiary, Senju Fire Protection Corp. (SFPC), in 2015 to expand its presence. Currently, the US market accounts for approximately one-third of the company's total revenue. To counter the rising costs caused by the reciprocal tariff measures implemented in 2025, the company decided to establish local production to ensure a stable supply.
## Factory Characteristics
The facility utilizes automated assembly equipment imported from Japan, creating a system for high-quality, stable production with a lean workforce. Having obtained certification from UL/ALS in late April 2026, shipments are scheduled to begin in June. The company aims to further improve production efficiency by leveraging knowledge gained from its 'Digital Twin DX Factory' in Japan.
## Factory Overview
- Name: Senju America Inc. Plant No. 2
- Location: 100 Shepard Ave, Wheeling, IL
- Products: Concealed residential sprinkler heads (RC-RES)
- Monthly Capacity: 100,000 units
- Employees: 4
- Production Start: June 2026
## Product Details (RC-RES)
The RC-RES is a flat concealed sprinkler head designed to be hidden within the ceiling. Despite its compact design, it offers rapid heat sensing and wide-area water dispersion. It complies with NFPA 13D, 13R, and 13 standards and is certified with cULus and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61/372.
## Comment from President Masaaki Ueno
'The US is our largest and most critical market. This expansion in Chicago is not just an emergency response to tariffs but a long-term investment. I am proud to deliver the quality and technology Senju Sprinkler has cultivated to the US, and we will continue to solidify our position as a world-class manufacturer.'
FAQ
Why did Senju Sprinkler open its own factory in the United States?
Due to increased import costs from reciprocal tariff measures that began in 2025, the company aims to establish a stable and competitive supply system.
What products are manufactured at the Chicago factory?
The factory manufactures concealed residential sprinkler heads (model: RC-RES).
What is the production capacity and number of employees at the factory?
The monthly production capacity is 100,000 units, and the number of employees is 4.
When will the U.S. factory start shipping?
The factory is scheduled to begin shipping in June 2026.
What are the features of the RC-RES product?
The RC-RES is a flat concealed type designed to fit within ceilings. Despite its compact shape, it offers rapid heat detection and wide-area water distribution.