KOBE STEEL, LTD

major Japanese manufacturer of iron and steel, nonferrous metal products, and machinery. Headquarters are in Kobe with offices in Tokyo and Osaka. Founded in 1905, the company by the late 1960s was one of Japan's largest steel producers. The company produces pig iron, milled and rolled steel products, steel tubes and pipes, aluminum and aluminum alloy products, copper and steel structures, nonferrous metal castings and forgings, cutting tools, and copper alloy products. The company is most noted for the manufacture of various kinds of machinery. Among these are machines for the chemicals, cement, and mining industries; welding; iron and steel production; rubber and plastic processing; construction; and plant setups. The company is also engaged in several joint ventures in foreign countries.