Founded in 1907 in Muroran, Hokkaido-the center of steel production in Japan-The Japan Steel Works, LTD. began as a joint venture with Britain's Sir W.G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Ltd., and Vickers Sons and Maxim, Ltd. with the goal of domestic weapons production in Japan. After World War II, the Company turned its sophisticated technologies and considerable experience to the task of meeting peacetime needs. From steel manufacturing and machinery development, to new business fields such as automobiles, electrical equipment, information equipment, as well as heavy industries such as electricity, steel, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals, the Company widened its business horizons, and began to earn a worldwide reputation as a leading integrated manufacturer of steel and machinery. At present, as a materials-mechatronics enterprise which meet the needs of IT-related industries, such as information and communication, JSW's global activities stretch beyond its existing fields to encompass the development such cutting-edge technologies as new energy, natural energy, new materials, optics, electronics, and biotechnology. The Company is also active in urban redevelopment and environment-related business fields. Always ahead of trends in society and industry, dynamic, multifaceted JSW is preparing for sustained and vigorous growth in a wide number of emerging areas, and aims to enhance its corporate value in order to satisfy the demands of its customers, shareholders and employee.