Steel fabrication certification reaches record high of 51 overseas plants

The number of certified overseas steel fabrication plants has reached a record high of 51 as of September 2026. China leads this group with 34 certified factories, followed by South Korea with 8, Vietnam with 5, and Thailand with 2. Other certified nations include Indonesia and the Philippines. The increase in Chinese certifications is noted as a significant trend, likely driven by international sales strategies for quality assurance and entry into the Japanese wind power demand market.

In structural safety developments, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Building Research Institute have established a special committee to analyze the causes of building structural damage resulting from the Kumamoto Earthquake. Preliminary reports indicate that steel-frame buildings constructed under pre-1976 seismic standards experienced significant damage, including floor collapses and issues caused by contact with adjacent structures.

Additionally, the Japan End Tab Association held a construction training workshop in Yamanashi Prefecture for 28 technical managers and welders. Meanwhile, the Ironwork Construction Industry Cooperative held its 40th general meeting, which included a seminar on the Specified Skilled Worker system and the upcoming training and employment system for foreign workers.