| Shimano History |
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1921 In Sakai, Japan, Shozaburo Shimano founds the Shimano Iron Works in depressed economic times after the end of World War 1, owning a single lathe! Begins production of the bicycle freewheel.
1929 Amid global depression, sales are halted.
1936 New 25,000 square metre plant built and operations shifted to Oimatsu-cho, Sakai, the present location.
1940 Company incorporated with capital of 1.5 million yen.
1951 Name changed to Shimano Industrial Co. Ltd. New forging and hardening procedures drive increased sales.
1957 Production of internal three speed hub commences.
1967 Capital increased to 350 million yen. Zero Defect programme kicks off.
1970 Fishing tackle division launched; rod, reel and cooler production commences. First range of reels is the DUX series.
1971 50th anniversary. Shimano Adachi Co. Ltd. established, specializing in fishing rod manufacture.
1972 Shigure series of polyester resin-glass rods achieves explosive sales. GS reels released.
1974 Shimano exhibits tackle in Europe for the first time.
1977 Kevlar used in rod manufacture for the first time.
1980/81 Prototype Aero reel sets new Japanese casting record. First Aero reels launched.
1990 Shimano share price sets new record of 5,470 yen on Tokyo Stock Exchange.
2001 Shimano Celebrate their 80th Anniversary |
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