Saura Instrument Works Co., Ltd.

In Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture, the company began manufacturing magnetic compasses as a sole proprietorship under the name Saura Works, founded by Class A ship captain Mori Saura. It obtained various patents, including for enamel compass cards and the bubble-reservoir chamber type.

The company relocated to Tosakicho, Koishikawa-ku, Tokyo City (now Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) and began manufacturing magnetic compasses with the goal of expanding nationwide.

The company relocated to Maruyamacho, Koishikawa-ku, Tokyo City (now Sengoku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo), modernizing its equipment and expanding its factory.

A general partnership was established, with Yukichi Saura as its representative. The company was approved as a designated factory of the former Ministry of Railways.

A joint-stock company was established with capital of ¥1,000,000. It took over all operations, began producing navigational instruments and measuring tools, and opened a trading division.

Completed Japan's first hand-bearing compass.

Completed a remotely operated electro-hydraulic steering gear of unique design and a full-scale spherical compass.

Devised an electrical follow-up mechanism, adopted it for the electro-hydraulic steering gear, and began production. Began manufacturing grid compasses.

Increased capital to ¥4,000,000.

Increased capital to ¥10,000,000. Built a new factory and relocated to Urawa, Saitama Prefecture (now Saitama City).

Completed a compass inspection room at the factory. Developed an automatic steering system using a magnetic compass.

Developed variable-pitch propellers and remote engine control systems.

Expanded and enlarged the steering gear factory.

Expanded the painting and compass rooms and established a new steering gear inspection room.

Increased capital to ¥25,000,000.

Introduced an office computer to streamline administrative work.

Increased capital to ¥37,500,000. Received an Export Contribution Award from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

Increased capital to ¥45,000,000.

Developed and began sales of the Mini Auto series of automatic steering systems for small vessels.

Moved the head office to the Urawa factory site to improve business efficiency. Began sales of engine remote control systems.

Developed the Handy Auto series, a companion product to the Mini Auto series. Completed the analog repeater compass. Opened a branch office in Kokura City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Completed construction of a new head office building.

Opened a branch office in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Developed the computer-controlled CP-80 autopilot and began sales.

Renovated the head office factory to improve business efficiency.

Yukichi Saura became chairman. Tomokichi Saura became representative director.

Began full-scale production and sales of the 3000AT series of computer autopilots.

Began production and sales of the SA-10 series of computer autopilots and the NRC-150 digital repeater compass. Obtained the CE mark.

Registered the saura.jp domain and launched a website.

Opened a branch office in Kitoura Town, Higashiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture (now Kitoura Town, Nobeoka City).

Developed and began production and sales of autopilots for workboats and tugboats.

Takashi Saura became representative director.

Developed the SR-165 magnetic compass for large vessels and began production and sales.

The SR-165 passed ISO 449/MED/CCS/JG inspections and obtained the corresponding certifications.

The Kesennuma branch office was damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake and relocated to Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture.

Re-established and relocated a field office in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture.