Orion Machinery Co., Ltd.
Japanese industrial machinery manufacturer specializing in dairy equipment, vacuum pumps, chillers, and precision air conditioning.
Last updated September 27, 2026
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Overview
Orion Machinery Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer of industrial and dairy machinery headquartered in Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture. The company traces its origins to 1946, when its predecessor, Kyoei Seiki Seisakusho, was established. It was renamed Orion Machinery Co., Ltd. in 1966. Orion Machinery is known for developing Japan's first electric milking machine in 1957 and the world's first fully automatic milking machine in 1973. Over the decades, it expanded into industrial equipment, including oil-free vacuum pumps, chillers, precision air conditioners, and heat pumps. The company operates manufacturing plants in Suzaka, Chikuma, and Chitose, and has overseas subsidiaries in China, Thailand, India, and North America. It serves industries such as dairy farming, automotive, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, laser technology, data centers, and research institutions. Orion Machinery emphasizes energy-saving and carbon-neutral technologies, including hydrogen-related equipment. The company is privately held and remains active as of the 2020s.
History
Orion Machinery Co., Ltd. was founded in November 1946 as Kyoei Seiki Seisakusho, a limited partnership, in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. In 1957, the company completed its first electric milking machine, the DK-5II, which was later recognized as a Mechanical Engineering Heritage of Japan in 2021. In 1960, it developed Japan's first milk cooling unit cooler. The company was renamed Orion Machinery Co., Ltd. in 1966. In 1969, the main factory was relocated to its current location in Suzaka, Nagano. In 1973, Orion Machinery developed the world's first fully automatic milking machine and established the Chitose Factory in Hokkaido as a production base. During the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded into industrial equipment, developing oil-free vacuum pumps, air dryers, and environmental testing equipment. In 1986, it launched the Chilled Man high-freshness storage unit. In the 1990s, Orion Machinery focused on global markets, establishing Shanghai Orion in 2000. In the 2000s, it shifted toward energy-saving products, earning ISO14001 certification in 2002 and launching inverter chillers and oil-free vacuum pumps. In 2012, it completed OMA (Thailand factory) and a training center in Fukuoka. In 2014, it established ORION Machinery North America and developed hydrogen station pre-cooling chillers. In 2017, it formed GEA Orion Machinery (P) LTD in India. In 2019, the Chitose Second Factory was completed. In 2020, it launched inverter vacuum pumps and received the Good Company Grand Prix. In 2021, it released free-cooling module-type Eco Hybrid chillers. In 2024, the Suzaka Inter Factory was completed. The company continues to pursue carbon neutrality and next-generation energy solutions.
- 2012
OMA (Thailand factory) completed; Fukuoka Training Center completed.
- 2011
Global Training Center completed; launched oil-free vacuum pumps and blowers.
- 2009
Launched precision air conditioner PAP series with heat pump balance control.
- 2006
Vacuum pump KRF series won Red Dot Design Award.
- 2005
Launched DC inverter chiller RKE1500A-V; vacuum pump KRF series won Good Design Award.
- 2002
Main factory obtained ISO14001 certification.
- 2000
Established Shanghai Orion.
- 1998
Announced inverter chiller RKF series.
- 1996
Main factory obtained ISO9001 certification.
- 1993
Main factory and technical building completed.
Products and positioning
A technology-driven manufacturer providing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly industrial and dairy machinery.
Electric milking machine DK-5II
Japan's first electric milking machine, completed in 1957, recognized as Mechanical Engineering Heritage in 2021.
Milk cooling unit cooler
Japan's first milk cooling unit cooler, developed in 1960.
Oil-free dry pump
Japan's first domestically produced dry pump, developed in 1965.
Fully automatic milking machine
World's first fully automatic milking machine, developed in 1973.
Chilled Man high-freshness storage unit
Launched in 1986 for food industry preservation.
Inverter chiller RKF series
Announced in 1998, featuring inverter control technology.
Precision air conditioner PAP series
Launched in 2009 with heat pump balance control.
Oil-free vacuum pump KCE-F series
Inverter vacuum pump launched in 2020.
Free-cooling chiller Eco Hybrid
Launched in 2018, energy-saving chiller.
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