Riken Electric Wire Co., Ltd.

The roots of Riken Electric Wire trace back to the founding of the RIKEN Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in 1917. RIKEN was established as a national research institution at the call of Eiichi Shibusawa, with the aim of 'clarifying science to strengthen the foundation of industry and to develop national power comparable to Western countries.'

Starting with the founding of Rika Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. in 1927, more than 60 new companies emerged from the research laboratories of that time. This formed a corporate group called 'RIKEN Concerne,' a joint industry-academic complex that played a major role in driving Japan's industry before World War II.

In 1934, Riken Electric Wire was founded in Shinagawa, Tokyo. It was established to manufacture drawn wire and tin-plated wire, which had previously relied on imports.

Led by Dr. Masatoshi Okouchi, director of RIKEN, established Yamato Electric Wire Co., Ltd. in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Started manufacturing drawn wire and tin-plated wire.

In 1935, the company acquired the patent implementation rights for enamel-coated wire from RIKEN and renamed itself Riken Electric Wire Co., Ltd. The factory was relocated to Shirone City, Niigata Prefecture, where enamel copper wire and cotton-silk wound wire production began.

Acquired patent license for enamel coating line from RIKEN Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, renamed to RIKEN Electric Wire Co., Ltd. Relocated factory to Shirone City, Niigata Prefecture, and started manufacturing enamel copper wire and cotton-silk wound wire.

In 1938, Omori and Shinagawa factories were established, and rubber-insulated wire manufacturing began.

Launched Omori and Shinagawa factories, started manufacturing rubber-insulated electrical wires.

In 1940, Ichikawa, Suzugamori, and Mukojima factories were established.

Launched Ichikawa, Suzumori, and Mukojima factories.

In 1944, the company absorbed and merged Riken Spinning Co., Ltd., and relocated and consolidated factories in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, into Ichikawa Factory.

Absorbed and merged RIKEN Spinning Co., Ltd., relocated and consolidated factories within Tokyo to Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, forming Ichikawa Factory.

In 1945, the company was certified as an approved supplier by Japan Telecommunications Public Corporation.

Certified as a designated supplier by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation.

In 1954, the company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

In 1955, manufacturing of elevator cables began.

Started manufacturing elevator cables.

In 1960, coil product manufacturing began.

Started manufacturing coil products.

In 1961, the company received the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award.

Received the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award.

In 1963, the company started participating in the Shirone Kite Battle.

Started participating in the Shirone Big Kite Battle.

Received the Industrial Technology Director Award in 1966.

Received the Director of Industrial Technology Award.

In 1971, started manufacturing stainless steel wire and established Rishin Industry Co., Ltd. for precision mesh manufacturing.

Started manufacturing stainless steel wire. Established Rishin Industry Co., Ltd. for precision mesh manufacturing.

In 1981, relocated Ichikawa Factory to Shiobara, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, and launched a technical research institute.

Relocated Ichikawa Factory to Shiohama, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, and established a Technical Research Institute.

In 1984, began manufacturing optical fiber cables.

Started manufacturing optical fiber cables.

In 1985, established Riken Processing Co., Ltd. for power cord manufacturing.

Established Riken Processing Co., Ltd. for power cord manufacturing.

In 1990, established Riken Faitel Co., Ltd. for optical component manufacturing.

Established Riken Faitel Co., Ltd. for optical component manufacturing.

In 1992, merged with Hirakawa Seisen Co., Ltd.

Merged with Hirakawa Seisen Co., Ltd.

In 1994, invested in Shindo Industries Manufacturing Plant Limited (Hong Kong, Dongguan, China).

Invested in Shindo Industries Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong, factory in Dongguan, China).

In 1996, Ichikawa Factory obtained ISO9001 certification.

Achieved ISO 9001 certification at Ichikawa Factory.

In 2000, Ichikawa Factory obtained ISO14001, and Ichijima Factory also obtained ISO9001.

Achieved ISO 14001 certification at Ichikawa Factory. ISO 9001 certification at Shima Factory. Started manufacturing equipment for optical thin film formation.

In 2001, the Light and Electronic Components Business Office obtained ISO9001.

ISO 9001 certification obtained for the light and electronic components business office.

In 2004, Ichijima Factory obtained ISO14001.

ISO 14001 certification obtained for Ichijima Factory.

In 2006, relocated Ichikawa Factory to Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, and converted it into Chiba Factory.

The Ichikawa Factory was relocated to Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, and became the Chiba Factory.

In 2008, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

Became a wholly owned subsidiary of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.

In 2010, split the winding and stainless steel wires to Furukawa Magnet Wire Co., Ltd.

Winding and stainless steel wires were divided and succeeded to Furukawa Magnet Wire Co., Ltd.

In 2011, began manufacturing solar flat wires.

Started manufacturing flat-angled wires for solar power.

In 2012, established Riken Huadong (Tangshan) Cable Co., Ltd. in Hebei Province, China.

Established Riken Kato (Tangshan) Cable Co., Ltd. in Hebei Province, China, for elevator cable manufacturing.

In 2013, began manufacturing high ceiling LED lighting.

Started manufacturing LED lighting for high ceilings.

In 2025, split the elevator cable business to Furukawa Electric Metal Cable Co., Ltd.

The elevator cable business was divided and succeeded to Furukawa Electric Metal Cable Co., Ltd.