JFE Group Prehistory

History

Kawasaki Steel Corporation: 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

Nippon Kokan K.K.: 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

Consolidation Proposed

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.

Consolidation Objectives

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: Respond to global customer needs better and faster Enhance credibility among shareholders and capital markets Provide employees with challenges and opportunities 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. 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 The official agreement to consolidate Kawasaki Steel and NKK was concludede on May 9, 2002.

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:

Respond to global customer needs better and faster
Enhance credibility among shareholders and capital markets
Provide employees with challenges and opportunities
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.

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

The official agreement to consolidate Kawasaki Steel and NKK was concludede on May 9, 2002.