JFE Group Prehistory |JFE Holdings, Inc.

JFE Group Prehistory

April
1878

Shozo Kawasaki established Kawasaki Tsukiji Shipyard in Tsukiji, Tokyo
October
1896

Kawasaki Dockyard Company, Ltd. established (later renamed Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.)
May
1917

Fukiai Works established in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
August
1943

Chita Works established in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture
August
1950

Steel division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries spun off as independent Kawasaki Steel Corporation (with Yataro Nishiyama as first president)
February
1951

Chiba Works established as first modern integrated iron and steel works in postwar Japan
July
1961

Mizushima Works established in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
July
1969

Landfill operations commenced at West Plant, Chiba Works

June
1912

Nippon Kokan K.K. established (Motojiro Shiraishi first president)
April
1916

Yokohama Shipyard launched (later renamed Asano Shipyard Co., Ltd.)
June
1936

First blast furnace blown in and integrated steel production started
October
1940

Tsurumi Steelmaking and Shipbuilding Company (formerly Asano Shipyard) acquired and absorbed
February
1965

Fukuyama Works established
April
1968

Keihin Steel Works established (consolidation of Kawasaki, Tsurumi, and Mizue works)
January
1969

Tsu Shipyard inaugurated operations
December
1971

Construction of Ohgishima commenced at Keihin Steel Works

April 2000

Kawasaki Steel and NKK agreed to study cooperation in transportation, maintenance and procurement at their four domestic steelworks, aiming to enhance operational efficiencies by leveraging the geographical advantages of adjacent steelworks.
September 2000

It was decided that the ultimate goals of the alliance would to reduce costs, maximize competitive strengths and achieve long-term business growth in the age of global mega competition. As the two companies worked to expand cooperation in transportation, maintenance and procurement, they came to agree on ten points of cooperation in the three categories.

April 2001

It was decided that the two companies could consolidate to achieve the highest standards of global competitiveness by capitalizing on a strong customer base, advanced technologis and state-of-the-art steelworks and manufacturing plants, as well as by creating an innovative corporate culture with a challenging spirit. The main objectives would be to:

1. Respond to global customer needs better and faster
2. Enhance credibility among shareholders and capital markets
3. Provide employees with challenges and opportunities
4. Contribute to local communities and global environmental protection.
December 2001

The two companies reached a basic agreement on their consolidation and unveiled their plan to form the JFE Group.Click for details　A basic agreement to consolidate Kawasaki Steel and NKK and establish the JFE Group was signed on December 21, 2001.
May 9, 2002

Conclusion of Agreement
Click for details　The official agreement to consolidate Kawasaki Steel and NKK was concludede on May 9, 2002.