CEO Q&A: Kohshin Engineering's innovation is turning manure into a valuable resource for farmers
Mr. Kazunori Sumiya, CEO of Kohshin Engineering, speaks about the company's rich Japanese history and how their composting equipment is solving a global problem and changing the industry
3 February 2025
4 minute read
By: Editor’s note: I recently had the opportunity to learn more about Kohshin Engineering and their global expertise in composting from Mr. Kazunori Sumiya, CEO of Kohshin Engineering. Manure is in the process of changing its reputation from a being a problem that farmers need to solve to becoming a sustainable resource that has significant value. Kohshin Engineering is making it happen.
Can you share a brief history of your company and its journey in the composting and poultry equipment industry?
Kohshin Engineering’s story began in 1972, rooted in the rich cultural values of Japan—respect for the environment, nature and harmony. These principles are at the core of everything we do, shaping our vision and mission to create a better, more sustainable world.
Our mission has always been to create innovative solutions that address real challenges faced by farmers. By developing our composting technology, we’ve built a bridge between two essential sectors: poultry and livestock farming and agriculture. Manure, which is often seen as a problem, becomes a powerful resource under our systems — a sustainable answer to the needs of both industries.
For over 50 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to building not just machines, but trust, relationships and a vision of sustainability. Each step of our journey is fueled by the belief that harmony between humanity and nature is not just a goal — it is a responsibility we all share.
How does aerobic composting differ from other composting methods, and why is it important?
Aerobic composting ensures that manure goes through all the necessary stages to release nutrients like nitrogen fully while eliminating pathogens and weed seeds. The process creates conditions where aerobic bacteria thrive, promoting the breakdown of waste and the release of essential nutrients. The heat generated by microbial activity creates a sanitizing environment, making the compost safe and clean. Compared to anaerobic methods, aerobic composting produces fewer odors and lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
What are the main benefits of using your composting equipment for farmers and businesses?
There are a few key benefits to using our composting technology. First, the capacity: our largest composting machine can process up to 70 tons of waste, making it incredibly convenient for large farms. We’ve also designed special blades that chop the materials into a uniform, pelletized form, ensuring consistency. On the user side, the composters are designed to be simple and easy to operate, requiring just one person to manage the entire process — from adding new materials to removing the final product. On the other side, our composting technology includes the innovative Soilath System, a pre-composting monitoring system that incorporates advanced IT technology into the process to control aerobic bacteria behavior for successful composting results.
How does your pre-composting monitoring system help optimize the composting process?
This is something we are truly proud of. Have you ever wondered what happens inside the manure pile during the composting process? Why do some changes occur for the better or worse, and what causes them? This was exactly what motivated us to develop our online monitoring system.
Our technology includes various sensors that track temperature, ammonia, oxygen levels and other factors, sending the data directly to our platform. From there, you can easily graph and analyze all of it through your account. Plus, you can control the blower airflow online. Magic? No, just Kohshin.
Can you explain the role of real-time monitoring in the pre-composting process and how it benefits users?
The main idea behind this technology is to spot any issues right from the start, before they become bigger problems. In industrial-scale composting, it’s crucial to avoid mistakes that could turn the process anaerobic and cause unpleasant odors. With the Soilath System, you can monitor whether the process remains aerobic and make adjustments as needed.
How does your technology manage and reduce odors during the composting process?
A well-managed pre-composting process ensures the right moisture content, reduces odors, and accelerates the entire process. This means we can process more manure in less time, making it both efficient and effective. By maintaining an aerobic process, you’ll experience only mild ammonia odors, which are light enough to dissipate into the air.
In contrast, anaerobic processes produce harsh-smelling sulfur compounds (like rotten eggs), trimethylamine (which smells like rotten fish), and fatty acids with a sour scent. These gases are heavier and linger close to the ground. With our technology, you can maintain an aerobic process, ensuring a safe and clean final product with minimal odor.
