Central UNI Co., Ltd.
Japanese comprehensive medical equipment manufacturer specializing in healthcare environment design, operating theatre systems, and medical gas piping.
Last updated September 26, 2026
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Overview
Central UNI Co., Ltd. is a Japanese comprehensive medical equipment manufacturer that designs and builds healthcare environments, with a focus on operating theatres, medical gas central piping systems, and hospital infrastructure. The company was established in 1951 in Kitakyushu City as Tanaka Seisakusho Co., Ltd., initially serving the steel industry with gas cutting machines and maintenance services. In 1966, it developed a medical gas central piping system, marking its entry into the medical field. The company changed its name to Central Uni Co., Ltd. in 1976 and later adopted the brand 'C&U'. It is now part of the Ship Healthcare Group, a major Japanese healthcare conglomerate. Central UNI operates in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, and its English-language corporate website was relaunched in 2022. The company's brand concept is 'User to be designer', emphasizing that medical professionals should actively participate in designing their treatment environments. Central UNI's product portfolio includes medical gas piping, ICU wall care systems, modular operating theatre systems, ceiling pendants, SPD (Supply, Processing, Distribution) systems, and maintenance services. It has developed innovative products such as the flexible operating theatre 'FLex DOCK' and the air conditioning system 'Comfort Conductor'. The company has a long history of partnerships with international firms, including Herman Miller Health Sciences Division and Hospital Systems, USA. Central UNI continues to focus on creating healthcare environments that adapt to changing needs, with a strong emphasis on user involvement and digital technology for visualization.
History
Central UNI Co., Ltd. was established in September 1951 in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, as Tanaka Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (Kokura Factory). It was founded by eight young people from Kokura who started steel-related businesses, including gas cutting machines. In October 1961, the company began scarf maintenance for Yawata Iron Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and in March 1965, it started scarf maintenance at Kokura for Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. In February 1966, Central UNI developed a medical gas central piping system, applying gas control technology from its steel business experience, thus entering the medical field. In April 1968, the company started overseas import and export operations and changed its name to Tanaka Equipment Sales Co., Ltd. It opened a Tokyo sub-branch office (upgraded to branch office in 1975) and an Osaka sub-branch office (also upgraded in 1975). In November 1970, it formed Tanaka Union, establishing sales channels for the fusing machine sector. In March 1971, it opened a Fukuoka Branch Office (upgraded in 1974). In May 1972, it adopted a nationwide franchise system in the medical sector. In March 1973, it opened a Hiroshima sub-branch office (upgraded to branch office in 1986 and 2004). In May 1973, it established Korea Central Co., Ltd. in Masan, Korea. In November 1974, it developed the ICU Wall care system. In March 1976, the company changed its name to Central Uni Co., Ltd. In May 1976, it developed a wall care system for patient general wards. In March 1977, it established its own brand 'C&U'. In December 1977, it formed a business alliance with Hospital Systems, USA, and developed a modular operating theatre system. In May 1978, it introduced a business agent system in the medical sector with 26 companies nationwide. In April 1979, it opened a Sendai sub-branch office (upgraded to branch office in 1986 and 1992). In June 1979, it established Uniservice Co., Ltd. (merged in 1993). In September 1979, it signed a sole agency agreement with Herman Miller Health Sciences Division, USA, for Japan. In March 1981, it established the Hospital Food Service Division. In April 1982, it established Uni-Maintenance Co., Ltd. In November 1982, it developed the 'Hospia-80' computer system. The company continued to expand its services to SPD and maintenance fields, and introduced ceiling pendants in partnership with an overseas company. It later developed the flexible operating theatre 'FLex DOCK' and the human-friendly air conditioning system 'Comfort Conductor'. Central UNI is now part of the Ship Healthcare Group. Its English-language corporate website was relaunched on July 1, 2022. The company continues to operate in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, with sales offices in South Korea and an overseas factory.
- 2022
The English-language corporate website has been relaunched.
- 1982
Established Uni-Maintenance Co., Ltd. Developed 'Hospia-80' computer system.
- 1981
Established Hospital Food Service Division.
- 1979
Established Uniservice Co., Ltd. (merged in 1993). Signed sole agency agreement with Herman Miller Health Sciences Division, USA, for Japan.
- 1978
Introduced business agent system in the medical sector with 26 companies nationwide.
- 1977
Established own brand 'C&U'. Formed business alliance with Hospital Systems, USA. Developed Modular operating theatre system.
- 1976
Changed company name to Central Uni Co., Ltd. Developed wall care system for patient general wards.
- 1974
Developed ICU Wall care system.
- 1973
Established Korea Central Co., Ltd. in Masan, Korea.
- 1972
Adopted a nationwide franchise system in the medical sector.
Products and positioning
Comprehensive medical equipment manufacturer facilitating the creation of healthcare environments, with a brand concept of 'User to be designer'.
Medical gas central piping system
Developed in 1966, applying gas control technology from steel business.
ICU Wall care system
Developed in 1974.
Wall care system for patient general wards
Developed in 1976.
Modular operating theatre system
Developed in 1977 in alliance with Hospital Systems, USA.
Hospia-80 computer system
Developed in 1982.
FLex DOCK flexible operating theatre
Flexible operating theatre developed to support people working in operating theatres.
Comfort Conductor air conditioning system
Human-friendly air conditioning system.
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