Moltzwell addresses regional logistics challenges in Shimane

Moltzwell Co., Ltd., based in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, is addressing the logistical challenges of supporting elderly residents through its meal delivery service, ‘Goyouki Mikawaya’. The company provides meals and safety checks for single-person elderly households, but faces extreme margin pressures; the CEO noted that even a 10-second delay in delivery routes can result in a deficit.

To sustain regional infrastructure, Moltzwell is exploring shared logistics models. This includes integrating various services—such as delivering Amazon packages or handling laundry collection—to optimize routes. The company is also collaborating with partners like SoftBank to investigate drone delivery, though high flight costs currently exceed the price of the meals themselves.

Additionally, Moltzwell is working on a joint delivery concept to mitigate losses faced by major carriers like Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, and Japan Post in the Shimane Peninsula region. The goal is to utilize local community members to manage the ‘last one mile’ of delivery. A second factory is scheduled to open in Matsue in April 2027 to support business expansion.