 |
The Yotsukura area in Iwaki city, in Fukushima Prefecture is located 200 km north-northeast of Tokyo. Soon after rail service put into operation in 1906, a cement business was launched here using locally mined limestone. The main factors behind this were: a rush of new business establishment amid of business upturn following the victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), and a surge in demand for cement, mainly for manufacturers, railroads, and the power companies. In addition, cement exports grew for reconstruction of San Francisco, where some 700 peoples were dead due to the great earthquake and the ensuing three-day inferno.
Iwaki Cement, which was later renamed Sumitomo Cement, was established in November 1907 with 42 founders, who were all optimistic about their chances for future success. Its plant had a full-scale rotary kiln and the company was the pioneer in Japan to employ epoch-making burning method that are commonly used today. Using this advanced manufacturing process, the company was able to produce high-quality cement continuously and in volume, forging the foundation of its long-term development. |
