72-year-old steel factory in Japan closed

Nippon Seitetsu, one of Japan’s largest steel producers, closed its 72-year-old Kure factory after falling demand.

The steel producer announced its new decision in line with the business reform program it launched due to the drop in local demand.

As part of its corporate reform program, Nippon Seitetsu closed its 1.3 square kilometer Kure facility located in western Japan.

The Kure facility, which has been in service for 72 years, served as the Imperial Navy’s main shipyard until the end of World War II.

Nippon Seitetsu, known as one of the largest steel producers in both the world and Japan, employed 3,300 workers at its facilities.

Nippon Seitetsu had previously reduced the facility’s production volume as its domestic and foreign customers, including automakers, moved production to overseas locations.

Nippon Seitetsu currently has 11 blast furnaces throughout Japan. (AA)