Shimano is a company that was founded in 1921 and as of 2011 produces a wide variety of equipment for cycling, rowing and fishing. Among Shimano's most popular products are the company's brakes and gear wheels, which are used on a number of top bicycle brands.
Founding
Shimano was founded by Shozaburo Shimano as Shimano Iron Works in Sakai City, Japan. Although Shimano's father was a farmer, Shimano apprenticed at an iron works, which led to the founding of his company.
Incorporation and Early Production
In 1940, Shimano Iron Works was incorporated as Shimano Iron Works Co. Ltd and renamed Shimano Industrial Co. Ltd. in 1951. Shimano's first products were single-speed bicycle freewheels. In 1956, the company began producing derailleurs, or external speed changers.
A New Generation
Shimano's three sons took over operations of Shimano in the late 1950s; Shozo Shimano was named president in 1958. This era introduced several innovations as Shimano began producing internal speed changers in 1957 and installed a cold forge, which allowed for more efficient production, in 1960.
Move To America
Shimano came to America in 1965 as the Shimano American Corporation and entered the European market the same year. In addition, Shimano continued to expand in Japan, building the world's largest bicycle plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, in 1970.
Shimano Expands Offerings
Shimano expanded its offerings in 1970 by launching a fishing tackle division. The company also continued to produce new bicycle products, such as the Dura-Ace road racing components in 1973 and the Shimano Index System, which gave bikers more control over gear selection, in 1984.
Continued Global Expansion
As Shimano grew, it continued to expand geographically. The company founded Shimano U.K. Ltd. in 1988 in order to sell fishing tackle across Europe. Two years later, Shimano built a plant in Malaysia and began selling fishing and cycling equipment in Italy. In 1991 the company was renamed Shimano Inc.
1990s and 2000s
In the 1990s, Shimano produced new bicycle products such as clipless pedals and new fishing products such as the Smooth and Hi-Power reel system. In 1997, Shimano expanded into extreme sports with its Action Sports Division. In 2003, Shimano introduced an automatic gear-shifter, and launched a Lifestyle Gear Division in 2009.
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