Hubbry Logo
JFE HoldingsJFE HoldingsMain
Open search
JFE Holdings
Community hub
JFE Holdings
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
JFE Holdings
JFE Holdings
JFE Holdings
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

JFE Holdings, Inc. (JFE（ジェイエフイー）ホールディングス株式会社, Jeiefuī Hōrudingusu Kabushiki-gaisha) is a corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It was formed in 2002 by the merger of NKK (日本鋼管株式会社, Nippon Kōkan Kabushiki-gaisha) and Kawasaki Steel Corporation (川崎製鉄株式会社, Kawasaki Seitetsu Kabushiki-gaisha) and owns JFE Steel, JFE Engineering and Japan Marine United. JFE is from Japan, Fe (the chemical element symbol of iron) and Engineering. In 2020, it was ranked 365th in Fortune Global 500 List.

Key Information

Mergers and Spinoffs

[edit]

At the time JFE Holdings was created in 2002, NKK Corporation was Japan's second largest steelmaker and Kawasaki Steel was the third largest steelmaker.[3] Both companies were major military vessel manufacturers during World War II.

JFE's main business is steel production. It also engages in engineering, ship building, real-estate redevelopment, and LSi business. The company also operates several overseas subsidiaries, including California Steel Industries in the United States, Fujian Sino-Japan Metal in China, and Minas da Serra Geral in Brazil. Other than steel, they are also known for products such as the bicycle tree.[4]

JFE Holdings owns JFE Steel, the fifth largest steel maker in the world with revenue in excess of US$30 billion. JFE Holdings has other subsidiaries including JFE Engineering, JFE Steel and JFE Shoji,[4] and part-owns Japan Marine United, a major shipbuilding company.

NKK and Siderca S.A. of Argentina established a seamless pipe joint venture by spinning off the seamless pipe division of NKK's Keihin Works in 2000.[4] In November 2009, JFE agreed to partner with JSW Steel, India's third-largest steel producer, to construct a joint steel plant in West Bengal.[5] In July 2010, JFE acquired a 14.9% stake in India's JSW Steel Ltd.

Its shipbuilding unit, Universal Shipbuilding was created in 2002 when NKK Corporation a predecessor of JFE, merged its shipbuilding unit with that of Hitachi Zosen. In 2012, JFE merged its ship building unit, Universal Shipbuilding Corporation, with Marine United Inc. of IHI after discussion started in April 2008 to form Japan Marine United Corporation[6] It aimed to become Japan's largest shipbuilder.[7] However, on January 1, 2021, JMU (with 49% of shares) merged into a new joint venture with Imabari Shipbuilding (with 51% of shares) named Nihon Shipyard and covering all ship types except LNG tankers. In parallel, Imabari Shipbuilding bought 30% of JMU's shares. The cooperation between Imabari Shipbuilding and JMU make it one of the largest marine engineering and shipbuilding company in the world.

Products

[edit]

Super-rapid charging

[edit]

JFE Engineering Corporation is developing a quick charging station that it claims can take a battery from zero charge to 50% full in about 3 minutes. It has two batteries, one that stores electrical energy from the grid and another that delivers it to the car at extremely high current (500-600 ampere), which allows it to use a low voltage power supply.[8] The company claims that even though one station costs about $63,000, that's roughly 40% less than the competing CHAdeMO system.[9]

Bicycle Tree

[edit]

The bicycle tree is an automatic storage system for bicycles that can hold up to 6,000 bikes. The systems works by fitting the bicycle with an electronic tag and a computer saves the owner's data. Then a mechanical arm pulls the bike into a cylindrical well and stores it in a free location. When the owner wants to retrieve the bike, a card is swiped through a reader and the computer retrieves the bike based on the data.[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

JFE Holdings

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
JFE Holdings, Inc. is a Japanese multinational headquartered in , specializing in production and related industries through its core subsidiary JFE Corporation, one of the world's major producers with an annual crude output of 23.2 million metric tons. Established on September 27, 2002, via a share transfer merger between NKK Corporation and Kawasaki Steel Corporation, JFE Holdings serves as the streamlined group headquarters, managing strategic planning, risk management, and corporate communications for its subsidiaries and affiliates. The company's operations are divided into three primary business segments: , , and trading. The steel segment, led by , focuses on manufacturing and selling a wide array of products, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets, plates, and pipes, primarily for automotive, , and applications, with production facilities in and overseas bases in 18 countries. The engineering segment, operated by JFE Engineering Corporation, provides solutions in , systems, and industrial machinery, contributing to development worldwide. JFE's trading segment, through JFE Shoji Corporation, handles the procurement, processing, and distribution of products, raw materials, nonferrous metals, and even items, supporting global supply chains. is conducted through an equity-method affiliate, Japan Marine United Corporation, which specializes in constructing commercial vessels and offshore structures. As of March 31, 2025, JFE Holdings reported consolidated net sales of 4,859.6 billion yen for 2024, with the steel segment accounting for approximately 62% of , followed by trading and . The group employs 61,296 people consolidated and maintains a paid-in capital of 171.3 billion yen, with shares listed on the Prime Market. JFE Holdings emphasizes in sustainable technologies, such as low-carbon production methods, to address global environmental challenges while expanding its international footprint.

Overview

Company Profile

JFE Holdings, Inc. is a Japanese multinational established in September 2002 through a share transfer merger between NKK Corporation and Kawasaki Steel Corporation, forming a wholly owned parent entity focused on integrated operations. Headquartered in , Japan, the company is listed on the under the TSE: 5411. As a leading player in the global steel industry, JFE Holdings oversees a diverse portfolio centered on production, services for industrial , and trading of products and raw materials, positioning it as one of the major steelmakers worldwide. The company employs approximately 61,300 people on a consolidated basis as of March 31, 2025, supporting its operations across multiple segments through key subsidiaries like and JFE Engineering. In 2024, ending March 31, 2025, JFE Holdings reported consolidated of ¥4,860 billion, a decline from ¥5,175 billion in the prior year, reflecting its scale in high-quality products for automotive, , and sectors. JFE Holdings demonstrates a strong commitment to , particularly through innovations in low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen-based ironmaking and carbon-recycling processes aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This focus integrates with its global , encompassing raw material procurement, production, and distribution across 23 countries to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Global Presence

JFE Holdings maintains a significant international footprint, operating across 23 countries and regions with 117 overseas bases as of March 31, 2025. This global network supports the company's , , and trading businesses, enabling localized production, distribution, and project execution tailored to regional demands. In , JFE has established major facilities in key markets such as and , where subsidiaries like JFE (Beijing) Co., Ltd. handle engineering projects, and JFE India Private Limited manages steel processing and sales in and . features operations through entities like JFE America, Inc. in for sales and technical support, and the NUCOR-JFE Mexico joint venture in , , which produces hot-dip galvanized steel sheets for automotive applications. In , the company operates via JFE 's subsidiary Standardkessel Baumgarte Holding in , focusing on environmental and projects. The company's export activities play a crucial role in its global reach, with JFE Steel shipping high-value-added products such as galvanized sheets and to international automotive and sectors. For instance, exports contribute to shipments for and worldwide, supported by a robust that leverages overseas investments to mitigate regional supply-demand imbalances. Strategic alliances further enhance this presence, including the 50-50 with Corporation in for galvanized steel production, which began operations in 2020 to serve North American markets. In , JFE Steel formed JSW JFE Electrical Steel Private Limited with Limited in 2024, acquiring thyssenkrupp to manufacture grain-oriented electrical steel sheets for global supply. JFE Holdings contributes to major global projects, particularly in and . In , JFE Engineering undertakes (EPC) initiatives through subsidiaries in , the , and , supporting regional and industrial growth. The company also advances efforts, such as biomass power plants in and , aligning with its goal to expand eco-friendly solutions and reduce societal CO2 emissions through technology transfers and local partnerships. These activities underscore JFE's strategy to build earnings in high-growth regions while fostering synergies with international partners.

History

Pre-Merger Background

Nippon Kokan K.K. (NKK), one of the predecessor companies to JFE Holdings, was established in June 1912 as Japan's first private manufacturer, founded by Motojiro Shiraishi as president with a focus on producing seamless pipes to support the nation's growing industrial needs. The company quickly integrated production with capabilities, launching the Shipyard in April 1916 to manufacture vessels using its own outputs, which marked a pioneering approach to vertically integrated in . By the , NKK had developed key facilities, including the Keihin Works in Kawasaki, where its first began operations in 1912, enabling the production of high-quality plates and pipes essential for and maritime applications. In the post-World War II era, NKK played a vital role in Japan's reconstruction by ramping up output for rebuilding efforts, including bridges, buildings, and industrial plants, as the company expanded its capacity through new open-hearth furnaces and rolling mills in the late 1940s and 1950s. Kawasaki Steel Corporation, the other key predecessor, emerged in August 1950 as a spin-off from the steelmaking division of , Ltd., amid Japan's industrial reorganization to specialize in integrated production. The company established its foundational Chiba Works shortly after incorporation, with the first operational by 1951, laying the groundwork for large-scale that included and rolled products tailored to domestic recovery demands. Kawasaki Steel advanced its technological edge in the 1950s and 1960s through innovations like early adoption of processes at facilities such as Mizushima Works, which improved slab quality and production efficiency by enabling uninterrupted solidification and reducing defects compared to traditional methods. Notably, the company pioneered developments in high-strength sheets for automotive applications, introducing advanced dual-phase steels in the and that offered superior formability and crash resistance, allowing lighter vehicle bodies without compromising safety—key contributions to Japan's auto industry's global competitiveness. By the 1990s, both NKK and Kawasaki Steel faced intensifying pressures from global competition and chronic overcapacity in Japan's steel sector, where domestic demand stagnated amid economic slowdowns and rising imports from lower-cost producers in and elsewhere. The industry's output exceeded consumption by up to 20% in some years, driving down prices and profit margins, which prompted calls for consolidation to achieve and streamline operations against aggressive international rivals. These challenges, exacerbated by the that slashed export markets, underscored the need for structural reforms, setting the stage for strategic mergers among major players.

Formation and Mergers

In December 2001, NKK Corporation and Kawasaki Steel Corporation announced a basic agreement to integrate their operations, aiming to establish a by October 2002 to enhance their global competitiveness in the steel industry. This move was part of broader rationalization efforts in Japan's steel sector, responding to intense pressure from low-cost Asian producers such as . On May 9, 2002, the companies concluded a formal consolidation agreement, with shareholder approvals secured in June 2002. JFE Holdings, Inc. was officially established on September 27, 2002, through a transfer that made NKK and Kawasaki wholly owned subsidiaries. The exchange ratios were set at one share of JFE Holdings for each share of Kawasaki and 0.75 shares for each share of NKK, resulting in approximately 570 million issued shares for the new entity. The strategic rationale emphasized achieving synergies in production optimization, technology sharing, and research and development to reduce costs and strengthen market position against international rivals. Following the holding company's formation, core subsidiaries were created in April 2003 to streamline operations. emerged from the merger of the steel manufacturing businesses of NKK and Kawasaki Steel, focusing on integrated production capabilities. was simultaneously established by integrating the engineering divisions of both predecessors, expanding capabilities in plant engineering and environmental technologies. These integrations targeted immediate effects, including 20 billion yen in cost savings by the fiscal year ending March 2003, through facility consolidations such as closing two blast furnaces and rescheduling maintenance. Overall, the mergers aimed for 80 billion yen in total synergies by March 2006, bolstering the group's resilience in a consolidating industry.

Post-Formation Developments

Following its formation in 2002, JFE Holdings undertook several structural reorganizations to streamline operations. That same year, just prior to full formation but as part of the transitional setup, the operations of NKK and Hitachi Zosen Corporation were integrated to establish Universal Shipbuilding Corporation as a , marking an early step in consolidating non-steel assets. In 2004, JFE Shoji Corporation was created through the merger of Kawasho Corporation and NKK Trading Inc., initially operating as a trading arm before becoming a direct wholly owned of JFE Holdings in 2012 via a share exchange, enhancing the group's integration for and related products. The global of prompted significant cost-cutting and capacity adjustments at JFE Holdings. In response to plummeting steel demand and prices, Corporation, the group's primary operating unit, raised its annual cost-reduction target to 70 billion yen for fiscal , doubling the initial plan through measures such as production cuts and operational efficiencies, which helped the company return to profitability by the second half of the year amid a global economic rebound. These efforts included emergency restructuring to align capacity with reduced market needs, avoiding deeper losses during the downturn. A key restructuring in the shipbuilding sector occurred in 2012–2013, when JFE Holdings merged its subsidiary Universal Shipbuilding Corporation with Corporation's Marine United Inc. The integration, announced in August 2012 and effective January 1, 2013, created Japan Marine United Corporation, 's largest shipbuilder at the time, with JFE and each holding approximately 45.93% stakes and the entity operating as an equity-method affiliate of JFE Holdings to improve competitiveness in global amid industry consolidation. Post-2015, JFE Holdings intensified investments in green steel technologies to address environmental challenges. Under its Fifth Medium-term (2015-2018), the group allocated approximately 650 billion yen for capital investments in , including enhancements to energy-efficient steel production processes and research into low-carbon technologies. By 2021, Corporation advanced hydrogen-based steelmaking through the NEDO-funded GREINS project, aimed at utilizing in blast furnaces to reduce CO2 emissions, as part of broader efforts to develop ultra-innovative decarbonization methods. The from 2020 to disrupted JFE Holdings' s, leading to adapted strategies for resilience. The crisis caused price volatility, higher freight rates, and delays in global , impacting production and trading volumes; in response, the group implemented monitoring and diversification measures, investing 7.3 billion yen in reinforcements and 0.6 billion yen in systems to mitigate ongoing risks. These actions helped stabilize operations despite persistent disruptions into . In alignment with Japan's carbon neutrality goals by 2050, JFE Holdings has pursued through targeted initiatives. In May 2021, the group announced its JFE Group Environmental Vision for 2050, committing to net-zero CO2 emissions across operations via strategies like reduction in and integration, including pilot projects for -based processes to replace traditional coke usage in blast furnaces. This positions the company to meet national targets while advancing sustainable steel production. From 2023 onward, JFE Holdings continued to advance its and growth strategies under the Seventh Medium-term (fiscal years 2021–2024), emphasizing green transformation (GX) investments and high-value-added products like . In May 2025, the group announced the Eighth Medium-term (fiscal years 2025–2027) alongside the long-term JFE Vision 2035, targeting consolidated profit growth to 700 billion yen by fiscal 2035 through overseas expansions, including 400 billion yen in investments abroad, and further decarbonization efforts such as expanding capacity in . These initiatives reflect ongoing adaptation to global market shifts and environmental imperatives as of November 2025.

Corporate Structure

Subsidiaries and Affiliates

JFE Holdings operates through a network of wholly owned subsidiaries and equity-method affiliates, primarily focused on steel production, , trading, and related . The core operating companies include Corporation, JFE Engineering Corporation, and JFE Shoji Corporation, each handling distinct aspects of the group's business while maintaining close inter-company relationships under the parent's controlling stakes. JFE Steel Corporation, a wholly owned , serves as the primary entity for production and sales, operating major integrated steelworks across . Its facilities include the East Japan Works (Keihin and Chiba Districts) and plant, West Japan Works ( and Fukuyama Districts), Works, and Chita Works. Following the shutdown of the Keihin District's No. 2 in September 2023 and further suspensions announced in 2025, maintains five for high-volume output of advanced products. has shifted focus toward sustainable production methods, including furnaces at Works. JFE Engineering Corporation, also wholly owned by JFE Holdings, specializes in plant engineering, infrastructure development, and environmental systems, including energy solutions and recycling operations. It oversees projects such as facilities and offshore wind infrastructure, with key sites like the Kasaoka Monopile Factory supporting initiatives. JFE Shoji Corporation, established in 2003 as a wholly owned trading , manages the , , and distribution of steel products, raw materials, nonferrous metals, and related commodities on a global scale. It supports the group's through a network of over 90 affiliated entities, emphasizing and eco-friendly product trading. Among other affiliates, JFE Mineral Company, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary under , handles resource procurement and alloy production to secure raw materials for . JFE Technos Corporation, another affiliate within the JFE Steel group, provides engineering equipment and technical services for steel facilities. Joint ventures include California Steel Industries, Inc., in the United States, where JFE Steel holds a 49% stake in partnership with Corporation (51%), operating a focused on Western U.S. markets. Additionally, Japan Marine United Corporation functions as an equity-method affiliate, specializing in and offshore projects with advanced technologies for energy and naval applications.

Leadership and Governance

Yoshihisa Kitano serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of JFE Holdings, Inc., a position he has held since April 1, 2024. Kitano joined Kawasaki Steel Corporation in 1982 and advanced through various leadership roles at Corporation, including as its President and CEO before transitioning to the , bringing extensive experience in operations. He also chairs the of the JFE Foundation. The Board of Directors consists of 13 members, including six independent outside directors representing 46.2% of the board, with two female directors comprising 15.4%, aligning with requirements for diversity and independence. Independent directors are selected based on criteria ensuring no material conflicts of interest and expertise in areas such as , , and . In June 2025, JFE Holdings transitioned to a with an Audit & Supervisory structure to strengthen oversight, comprising five members with 60% independent outside directors. JFE Holdings adopted its Basic Policy on in October 2015 to promote sustainable growth and enhance corporate value over the medium to long term. This framework includes the Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee, both established in October 2015 and chaired by independent outside directors with majority outside membership, to ensure transparent processes for director appointments and compensation. An Audit & Supervisory Committee oversees internal audits conducted by 168 staff members. Key governance policies emphasize comprehensive risk management, including mitigation of supply chain disruptions through diversification of raw material sources and enhanced supplier assessments. ESG factors are integrated into decision-making via the JFE Group Sustainability Council, which addresses , , and diversity initiatives, such as a target of 10% female managers by 2030 (currently at 4.3%). The company endorses the on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and conducts due diligence across its operations. Historical leadership transitions post-formation include Hajime Bada serving as President and CEO from 2005 to 2015, followed by Eiji Hayashida and Koji Kakigi until his retirement on April 1, 2024. These changes reflect a focus on internal promotions from operating subsidiaries to maintain operational expertise at the holding level.

Business Operations

Steel Segment

The Steel Segment of JFE Holdings, operated primarily through Corporation, represents the core of the company's operations, focusing on the production of crude steel and downstream products using integrated processes. maintains an annual crude steel production capacity of approximately 30.3 million metric tons, achieved through a combination of blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) routes and emerging (EAF) methods to support decarbonization efforts. This capacity is distributed across major facilities, with the East Japan Works in Chiba and Keihin districts emphasizing crude steel production and heavy plates, while the West Japan Works in Fukuyama and focuses on specialty steels and high-value sheets. Key production facilities incorporate advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, including the adoption of (DRI) processes for low-carbon steelmaking. For instance, is developing hydrogen-based DRI combined with EAF operations to produce high-grade, low-emission steel, aiming to establish a global for such materials. The segment's output includes a diverse range of products such as hot-rolled coils for and , cold-rolled sheets for appliances, and galvanized steels tailored for automotive applications, with an emphasis on high-tensile strength variants exceeding 1,470 MPa for lightweight vehicle components. These innovations in ultra-high tensile strength steels, featuring excellent formability and , position as a leader in for the automotive sector. JFE Steel's supply chain relies on global sourcing of raw materials, including from and from various international mines, to feed its blast furnaces, supplemented by investments in assets like a 10% stake in Australia's Blackwater Mine for stable supply. The company emphasizes , utilizing —equivalent to about one-third of its crude output—and iron and to promote a within the segment. In Japan's automotive market, JFE holds a dominant position as a primary supplier to major manufacturers, leveraging its high-tensile innovations to meet demands for fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.

Engineering Segment

The Engineering Segment of JFE Holdings, primarily operated through its subsidiary JFE Engineering Corporation, focuses on (EPC) services for industrial projects worldwide. This segment encompasses the , , and operation of key facilities such as power plants, systems, and management , leveraging advanced engineering expertise to support . Core activities include the and of power facilities, such as geothermal and power generation systems, which integrate production wells, steam gathering, and turbine installations for efficient energy output. The segment also handles waste treatment systems, including plants with stoker incinerators, gasifying furnaces, and ash melting technologies to enable material recycling and . Additionally, JFE undertakes projects for plant infrastructure as part of its industrial EPC portfolio, often incorporating group synergies for material integration. Key projects highlight the segment's global reach, including the construction of the largest sewage treatment plant in Hanoi, Vietnam, completed in 2025 with a daily capacity of 270,000 cubic meters and advanced nitrogen-phosphorus removal technology to serve over one million residents. In the Middle East, JFE Engineering has contributed to desalination system development, such as initiatives in Saudi Arabia aimed at enhancing water treatment capabilities through innovative membrane and system technologies. The segment is also advancing hydrogen production facilities, including a 2022 feasibility study for a large-scale green hydrogen supply chain using 100MW water electrolysis units and a 2025 contract for a hydrogen pipeline basic design to support industrial supply in Japan. Technologies emphasized in this segment include advanced wastewater recycling processes, such as the C-PhoeniX Process® gasification system developed in 2024, which converts waste into synthesis gas for chemical production while minimizing emissions. For emissions control, JFE Engineering employs flue gas cleaning and desulfurization methods in waste-to-energy facilities, achieving high purification rates through over 30 years of refinement in gas treatment and ash management. These innovations prioritize environmental compliance and resource efficiency in industrial operations. The Engineering Segment contributes approximately 10-15% to JFE Holdings' total revenue, with JFE Engineering reporting ¥569.8 billion in 2024 (ending March 31, 2025), driven largely by EPC contracts in and environmental infrastructure. This segment's workforce specializes in seismic-resistant designs, particularly for earthquake-prone regions, as demonstrated in projects like the 2025 seismic retrofit of priority bridges in the using reinforced structures to enhance durability against natural disasters.

Trading Segment

The Trading Segment of JFE Holdings is primarily managed by JFE Shoji Corporation, the group's core , which handles a diverse portfolio of products centered on and extends to raw materials, non-ferrous metals, chemicals, fuels, ships, , and . This segment encompasses import and export activities, enabling the efficient movement of these commodities across global markets to support industrial supply chains. JFE Shoji operates an extensive global network comprising 59 bases in 20 countries, including key locations in , the , , ASEAN nations such as and , (e.g., ), , and . This infrastructure, which also includes 97 affiliated companies across 23 countries and regions, facilitates by providing localized , distribution, and processing capabilities. In fiscal year 2024 (ended March 31, 2025), the segment generated revenue of ¥1,438.5 billion, underscoring its scale in handling substantial volumes of traded goods. To add value for clients, JFE Shoji offers integrated services including with advanced features like GPS tracking for transportation, financing solutions, and to inform purchasing decisions. These services primarily support industries such as automotive—particularly for components—shipbuilding, and emerging sectors like , where specialized applications are critical. Deeply integrated within the JFE Group, JFE Shoji procures essential raw materials, such as and , to supply JFE Steel Corporation for its production needs, while also marketing and distributing JFE Steel's finished products on an international scale. This symbiotic relationship extends beyond internal transactions, as JFE Shoji actively broadens its dealings with external partners to diversify revenue streams and enhance group competitiveness. Addressing market challenges like price volatility, JFE Shoji emphasizes robust and commits to more than five strategic investments annually to stabilize operations and build resilience. These efforts focus on long-term growth, including diversification into high-value areas, to mitigate risks associated with fluctuating raw material costs.

Innovations and Products

Energy and Automotive Technologies

JFE Engineering developed the Super RAPIDAS super-rapid charging system for electric vehicles (EVs) in June 2010, aiming to reduce charging times to levels comparable to refueling conventional vehicles. The system utilizes an internal storage battery that accumulates power during off-peak nighttime hours at low cost and transfers it to a dedicated high-capacity battery for near-instantaneous discharge to the EV, enabling a charge to 50% capacity in approximately 3 minutes and to 70% in 5 minutes, providing a driving range of about 110 km on a standard EV with a full range of 160 km. Initial prototypes required modification of commercial EVs to accommodate the specialized battery, but the targeted installation costs reduced to around 60% of existing rapid chargers, which were approximately ¥10 million at the time. By September 2011, JFE Engineering completed commercialization of the Super RAPIDAS, demonstrating it at its with a modified commercial EV, achieving 50% charge in 3 minutes and 80% in 8 minutes. The hybrid variant integrates Super RAPIDAS with the existing RAPIDAS system, which is CHAdeMO-certified and charges to 80% in 30 minutes, targeting applications in fixed-route buses, trucks, , and eventually passenger cars at locations like gas stations and convenience stores. Applications extend to integration with grids through JFE Engineering's broader involvement in designing and operating solar and facilities. Partnerships, such as those for regional power development from renewable sources, further support these efforts. In automotive technologies, JFE Steel provides synergies through high-tensile strength steel sheets, such as those exceeding 980 MPa, which enable lighter EV body structures to reduce overall and during operation. These advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) contribute to extended driving ranges in EVs by minimizing mass while maintaining and . JFE's R&D efforts also encompass components, including a new for (SOFC) interconnects announced in January 2025, which achieves high oxidation resistance and electrical conductivity without protective coatings. Additionally, technologies are advanced by JFE Engineering, which employs proprietary systems for safe processing of lithium-ion and other batteries to recover valuable metals, supporting principles in EV production. Key milestones include the 2010 prototype announcement and establishment of a dedicated project team for rapid commercialization, followed by full market entry in 2011. By 2020, JFE Holdings aligned these innovations with net-zero goals, setting CO2 reduction targets for its steel operations aimed at carbon neutrality by 2050.

Urban and Environmental Solutions

JFE Engineering, a core subsidiary of JFE Holdings, has developed innovative solutions for urban infrastructure and environmental sustainability, with the Cycle Tree system serving as a flagship example of space-efficient bicycle parking designed for densely populated cities. Introduced in the late 2000s, the Cycle Tree is an automated multi-level mechanical parking system that utilizes an elevator-slide mechanism to store bicycles by gripping their front wheels, enabling efficient vertical stacking without manual handling. This design allows for capacities ranging from hundreds to over 6,000 bicycles per installation, significantly reducing the footprint required for parking in constrained urban environments like those near train stations. Installations have been deployed in major Japanese cities, including Tokyo (e.g., Hirai Station in Edogawa Ward) and Kawasaki (e.g., Noborito Station), contributing to JFE Engineering's position as Japan's leading supplier with a market share exceeding 60% and a total parking capacity surpassing 11,000 bicycles across multiple sites. The Cycle Tree promotes sustainable urban mobility by minimizing street-level clutter from haphazard , encouraging greater use of low-emission as an alternative to motorized , which in turn supports reduction efforts in cities. Environmentally, it integrates with technologies, such as IC tag-based access systems that allow users to retrieve bicycles in approximately five seconds via dedicated apps or entry points, enhancing user convenience while aligning with broader goals of eco-friendly infrastructure. Beyond domestic applications, the system's compact and automated design holds export potential for high-density Asian cities facing similar space challenges, though primary deployments remain in . In addition to urban mobility solutions, JFE Holdings advances environmental through (WtE) plants and materials derived from recycled . JFE Engineering constructs WtE facilities using technologies like stoker incinerators and gasifying furnaces, which convert into electricity while minimizing use and associated —key contributors to greenhouse gases. These plants, such as projects in (2021) and (2024), generate clean energy (e.g., 11.6 MW in the Vietnam facility) and reduce overall environmental impact by promoting over disposal. Complementing this, JFE produces eco-friendly materials like JGreeX, a low-CO2 green made via mass-balance methods incorporating recycled scrap, which has been adopted in building projects such as the Suidobashi PREX office in for structural components. These initiatives underscore JFE's role in fostering circular economies, with recycled enabling repeated use in without significant .

References

  1. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/uploads/2024-all250508e.pdf
  2. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/company/history/
  3. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/company/info/
  4. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/company/
  5. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/5411.T/profile/
  6. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/group-report/2024/7.pdf
  7. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/investor/finance/highlight/
  8. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/top/2024/financial_report_2024.pdf
  9. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/
  10. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/5411.T/
  11. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/climate/
  12. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/sustainability/sus_manage/value_chain/
  13. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/g-about/number.html
  14. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/company/facilities.html
  15. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/information/group/
  16. https://us.metoree.com/companies/14515/
  17. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2020/200305.html
  18. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/g-about/global.html
  19. https://www.recyclingtoday.com/news/nucor-jfe-mexico-steel-automotive/
  20. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2024/02/240213.html
  21. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2024/10/241018.html
  22. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/climate/environmental-management-strategy250529-01.pdf
  23. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/company/history/prehistory.html
  24. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/archives/en/nkk_giho/88/pdf/88_01.pdf
  25. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/nkk-corporation-history/
  26. https://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/history/03.html
  27. https://www.company-histories.com/KAWASAKI-STEEL-CORPORATION-Company-History.html
  28. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/archives/en/ksc_giho/no.35/e35-052-059.pdf
  29. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/archives/en/ksc_giho/no.48/e48-003-008.pdf
  30. https://www.agi.or.jp/media/publications/workingpaper/WP2003-27.pdf
  31. https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/42097/1/MPRA_paper_42097.pdf
  32. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/company/history/prehistory/News_Release___December_21_2001En.pdf
  33. https://www.rieti.go.jp/en/papers/research-review/033.html
  34. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/company/history/prehistory/News_Release___May_9_2002En.pdf
  35. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/information/history.html
  36. https://www.jfe-shoji.co.jp/en/corporate/history/
  37. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/japan-s-jfe-steel-raises-target-for-cost-cuts-report-idUST182897/
  38. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/group-report/2021/4.pdf
  39. https://www.offshore-energy.biz/two-companies-merge-into-japan-marine-united-corporation/
  40. https://www.offshore-energy.biz/japan-ihi-marine-united-universal-shipbuilding-merger-creates-giant/
  41. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/climate/steel_industry_efforts/
  42. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/group-report/2022/all.pdf
  43. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/group-report/2020/all_A4.pdf
  44. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/company/carbon.html
  45. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/investor/management/plan/
  46. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2025/08/250804.html
  47. https://energynews.oedigital.com/mineral-resources/2025/05/08/jfe-holdings-japans-largest-investment-company-aims-to-invest-nearly-3-billion-overseas-in-growth
  48. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/group-report/2024/all.pdf
  49. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/company/group.html
  50. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2020/201109_01.html
  51. https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/japans-jfe-boost-overseas-investments-suspend-blast-furnace-2025-05-08/
  52. https://www.jfe-shoji.co.jp/en/corporate/profile/
  53. https://www.jfe-mineral.co.jp/e_mineral/company/profile/index.html
  54. https://www.jfe-technos.co.jp/en/company/overview/
  55. https://nucor.com/news-release/nucor-completes-acquisition-of-california-steel-industries-122593
  56. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/company/management/member/kitano.html
  57. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/company/info/corporate-governance.pdf
  58. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/sustainability/governance/governance/
  59. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/top/2015/2016-160426.pdf
  60. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/investor/management/risk/
  61. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/products/pipes/linepipe/facts.html
  62. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/works/east/
  63. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/works/west/
  64. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2024/12/241220.html
  65. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/research/report/010/pdf/010-04.pdf
  66. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/products/sheets/d70.html
  67. https://www.jfe-shoji.co.jp/en/business/ingredient/
  68. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2024/08/240822.html
  69. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/investor/library/dxreport/2021/6.pdf
  70. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/products/aqua/
  71. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/products/power/gene01.html
  72. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/products/environment/
  73. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/research/report/001/pdf/001-08.pdf
  74. https://aps.autodesk.com/customer-stories/jfe-engineering
  75. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/2025/20250903.html
  76. https://waterplant.tech/news/99861-jfe-completes-construction-of-the-largest-sewage-treatment-plant-in-hanoi%2C-vietnam
  77. https://www.desalination.biz/desalination/japan-firms-to-supply-desalination-expertise-to-saudi-arabia/
  78. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/2022/20221027.html
  79. https://stainless-steel-world.net/jse-and-jfe-engineering-sign-contract/
  80. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/2024/20240207.html
  81. https://jefma.or.jp/english/introduction/jfe.pdf
  82. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/2024/20241107.html
  83. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/uploads/2024-setumei250508-01e.pdf
  84. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/2025/20250407.html
  85. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/release/
  86. https://www.jfe-shoji.co.jp/en/allaboutjfe/
  87. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/pdf/20100601en.pdf
  88. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/pdf/20110928en.pdf
  89. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/common/pdf/sustainability/data/2023/2023_05_02.pdf
  90. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/2017/20171113_2.html
  91. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/research/report/024/pdf/024-02.pdf
  92. https://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/release/2025/01/250108.html
  93. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/products/recycle/rec01.html
  94. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/release/2020/0915/000265/
  95. http://www.jfe-steel.co.jp/en/research/report/016/pdf/016-07.pdf
  96. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/green-living-blog/2009/nov/05/japan-best-bike-shed
  97. https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/06/japan-wins-again-with-automatic-bike-parking-and-retrieval-system/
  98. https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/en/news/2021/20211216.html
  99. https://www.jfe-holdings.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/resource/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.