Sub-theme: Efficient manufacturing
The company’s products include machine visions systems including sensors and measuring instruments that are primarily used in the automation of factories. These components help customers achieve higher levels of efficiency, energy-savings, improved material utilisation and reduced wastage and quality management.
Impact Score: 17%
Keyence’s products are a key enabler of factory automation but there are many other components required as well. Clients are large manufacturing businesses and the efficiency gains are broad-based but typically incremental.
Fundamental Quality: 72%
Keyence has a strong competitive position in a market with relatively few competitors. Alongside its products it provides high-value consulting support which enables it to charge high margins. The company is famously secretive and provides poor levels of ESG disclosure.
(per £1m invested in this company FY23)
- Board independence
- Gender diversity
- Sustainability leadership
- Sustainability reporting
- Automation may result in loss of low-skilled jobs
- Generation of end-of-life electronic waste if not recycled
- Women are significantly underrepresented
