The Group's origins date back to 1918, when Soichiro Asano, later called the "King of Cement," introduced the manufacturing technology for Carlit Explosives obtained from Sweden. At that time, demand for cement was growing for road improvement, dam construction, and other work due to Japan making significant progress toward becoming a modern nation under the leadership of the government. Soichiro Asano, who was confident that cement would be vital in enriching Japan, launched the cement business with an eye to the future of the country. Carlit Explosives were used for quarrying limestone, a raw material for cement, playing a major role in the mass supply of cement and helping Japan lay the groundwork to become a modern nation.
Since then, in keeping with the founder's beliefs, the Group has continued to take on the challenge of creating unique value with the mission of resolving social issues, such as addressing the needs of society and figuring out how to contribute to the growth of society through manufacturing and providing services.
In recent years, expectations for companies to solve climate change and other social issues have grown rapidly, making it increasingly important for us to reflect sustainability initiatives into management. We formulated a Mid-Term Management Plan entitled "Challenge 2024" with fiscal 2022 as the first year, by backcasting from our vision for 2030, which is "To contribute to a sustainable society by combining the power of "chemistry" and "technology" to support people's happy lives." We have set the "Advancement of ESG management" and "Rebuilding of business infrastructure" as key ESG strategies. Through the execution of the plan, we will strengthen the active and proactive initiatives carried out through our business operations to achieve management with profitable growth and ESG.
With an adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit, Soichiro Asano led the business to success despite numerous setbacks. Following this unyielding spirit of our founder, who was known for always rising up after repeated setbacks, now is the time to return to our founding spirit and harness the strength of each and every employee, our greatest assets, to tackle the increasingly severe conditions being faced by society. From our vibrant workplace, the entire Group will strive to provide products and services that are needed by and contribute to society.
We sincerely ask for the continued understanding and support of our shareholders and all other stakeholders.
Representative Director and President & CEO
Hirofumi Kaneko
