Story
120-year anniversary of Kobe Steel
October 29, 2025
ONE TEAM, COMMITTED TO GROWTH & RESPONSIBILITY
Commemorating the 120-year anniversary of Kobe Steel
Since the founding of the Kobe Steel Works, Ltd. in 1911, Kobe Steel Ltd. (KSL) and its brand name KOBELCO have become synonymous with products and services that respond to the needs of society and meet the demands of the times. KSL has been at the forefront of developing the “independence of Japanese industry” in the production of steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium, as well as in the engineering, construction machinery, and power generation businesses.
In 1983, KSL acquired the leading direct reduced iron (DRI) technology company, Midrex Corporation, signaling its entry into the plant building sector of the global steel industry. Subsequently, KSL established strategic overseas regional headquarters and strengthened its management and business structures.
In 2021, KSL set the 2030 target and 2050 vision for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in its production processes, as well as through its distinctive technologies, products, and services. Paramount among these is the suite of MIDREX® hydrogen-based DRI options: MIDREX FLEX® and MIDREX H2™.
The Core Values of KOBELCO—Next 100 Project
Launched in 2017, the Core Values of KOBELCO—Next 100 Project provides guidelines to assist Midrex and other KSL Group companies to align with KSL’s corporate philosophy, to learn from past challenges, and to foster a culture of mutual pride, trust, and fulfillment. To honor the 120th anniversary in 2025, KSL is increasing the appreciation of the Group dynamics and deepening ties with local communities through the activities displayed in the graphic below.
The 120th Anniversary Project
KSL is focusing on four pillars to commemorate its 120th anniversary:
- Original Animation
- Expo 2025 Osaka
- Support for Sporting Activities
- Environmental Conservation Activities
Original Animation
Original animation | KOBE STEEL, LTD. A time-travel story of KSL’s founding spirit and future vision will be created in an original animation that shows the connections with society in the past, present, and future and the uniqueness of the KSL Group, The animation will be available both inside and outside the Company.
Expo 2025 Osaka
Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan | KOBE STEEL, LTD. KSL will support the Future Life Expo 2025 in Osaka as a Silver Partner by showcasing in its exhibit the power of manufacturing. The theme of the Expo is “The Power to Create a Prosperous Future,” and the various exhibits will covey to future generations the fun of manufacturing and inspire their interest in supporting the future city.
Support for Sporting Activities
KSL will continue to support high school rugby through the sponsorship of the KOBELCO Cup and by developing original pictograms with a rugby motif that will be displayed in business locations, including the KSL head office. Use of the pictograms will be free to educational institutions and public sports facilities.Support for Environmental Conservation
Starting in 2025, KSL will sponsor the TREK KOBE Project as part of its overall commitment to supporting trail care, reforestation, water conservation, etc. TREK KOBE is dedicated to preserving forests for generations to come.Other Activities
The KSL Group’s award system and employee health maintenance and improvement program will be enhanced. Local environmental conservation activities, including forest preservation and water quality protection will be conducted in cooperation with KSL subsidiaries. The Midrex “120 Trees for 120 Years” initiative is a prime example.
“120 Trees for 120 Years”
Midrex launched this tree planting initiative to demonstrate its commitment to global environmental conservation and sustainability. By partnering with TreesCharlotte, the purpose is to give back to the local community while enhancing Charlotte’s urban forest.
On October 1, Midrex participated in a session conducted by TreesCharlotte to learn about the importance of environmental conservation, the global tree crisis, and tree care basics. Midrex sponsored 60 trees for distribution to the community, with teammates volunteering for a tree adoption event on October 11 and participating in planting 60 additional trees on October 17, totaling 120 trees supported through the initiative.
Tree Ceremony, October 15th
“Participating in the tree planting was a meaningful reminder of how our individual actions contribute to something much larger,” said Jardel Senno, Manager of Global Solutions Procurement and Vendor Controls at Midrex. “It was inspiring to see so many teammates come together with a shared purpose and enthusiasm. It also reminded me of the first tree I helped my grandfather plant 50 years ago in front of our house, a memory that made this experience even more special.”
“This initiative truly embodied the spirit of ONE TEAM,” added Brandy Reese, Director of People & Culture. “These 120 trees represent our collective commitment to growth, both for our company and for the community we call home.”
Tree Planting Event, October 17th
TreesCharlotte hosted a ceremony at the Midrex Research & Technology Development Center on October 15, during which a Okame cherry tree was planted in honor of the 120th anniversary of Kobe Steel. Yoshihiko Katsukawa, Kobe Steel President, CEO and Representative Director participate in the ceremony, joined by Masahiro Motoyuki, Kobe Steel Executive Officer and Head of Engineering and Construction Businesses and Midrex President & CEO KC Woody.
“We are here to mark 120 years of the Kobelco Group, [and] to commemorate this milestone, we are planting 120 trees,” Mr. Woody said. “These 120 trees represent more than an anniversary. They stand for growth, renewal, and responsibility … and reflect our shared values of giving back to the community we live and work in.
“As Midrex strives to grow and support the decarbonization of the steel industry …, these trees will grow alongside us and be here for future generations of Midrex teammates.”
Mr. Katsukawa, in acknowledging the Midrex and TreesCharlotte conservation efforts, said, “It is a great honor for us to carry out this community contribution activity here in Charlotte … in this milestone year.”
He observed that the 120 trees that were planted during the series of events in October “will not only commemorate our 120th anniversary but will also symbolize our hopes for a sustainable society, our connection with the community, and our responsibility to future generations. As these trees grow over time, they will bring greenery to the city and enrich people’s lives. This aligns with our corporate goal of creating long-term value.”
The “120 Trees for 120 Years” initiative stands as a living tribute to Kobe Steel’s century-long legacy and Midrex’s enduring commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community partnership. Just as the trees will continue to grow and strengthen the environment, Midrex and the entire KOBELCO Group will continue to nurture a culture of responsibility and shared purpose, rooted in the belief that lasting growth begins with caring for the world around us.