MISUMI Group Inc., a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of mechanical components, has entered into a strategic partnership with Oishii Farm Corporation, a US-based vertical farming company known for its premium strawberry operations. The agreement was announced on March 18, 2026.
Under the partnership, MISUMI will supply mechanical components to Oishii's Ametalas Farm in the United States through Fictiv, Inc., a global manufacturing and supply chain company that MISUMI acquired in June 2025. The two companies will also pursue joint research and development of components for agricultural automation.
Oishii operates indoor vertical farms producing strawberries and other vegetables in both Japan and the United States. The company uses AI, robotics, and precision environmental controls, covering temperature, humidity, lighting, and airflow, to manage crop production and enable automated harvesting.
MISUMI says the agritech sector is expected to grow rapidly against a backdrop of extreme weather, geopolitical instability, and labor shortages in developed economies. The company estimates the global food market at approximately ¥100 trillion (around $630 billion). "This agreement marks MISUMI's significant investment in Oishii, a company dedicated to realising next-generation smart agriculture," MISUMI said in its statement. The company added that products developed through the joint R&D initiative are intended to support the broader global agritech sector.
Source: MISUMI USA
Japanese components manufacturer partners with US vertical farming company
