Shimano's Journey: From a Single Lathe to the World's Leading Manufacturer
Shimano's Journey: From a Single Lathe to the World's Leading Manufacturer
Did you know that Shimano has been around for over 100 years?
The company was officially founded on March 21, 1921.
At that time, the founder, 26-year-old Shozaburo Shimano from Sakai City (Osaka Prefecture, Japan), rented a 40-square-meter space, borrowed a lathe from a friend, and started manufacturing freewheel clutches for bicycles.
The young entrepreneur's philosophy was: "I want to make Shimano products the best in Kansai, then the best in Japan, and finally, the best in the world!"
And indeed, in fierce competition with European manufacturers, Shimano expanded beyond Asia in 1965 and opened an office in New York.
In the 1970s, Shimano began actively producing fishing reels. This production is handled by the subsidiary Shimano Adachi Co. Ltd, established in 1971.
As we've learned, not all our cyclist friends are aware that the Shimano name is also well-known among anglers ☺️
An interesting fact: the name "Ultegra" by Shimano refers both to a series of bicycle components and a line of fishing reels.
Today, Shimano is a global leader in both bicycle components and fishing equipment, with each sector contributing significantly to the company's success. Currently, 80% of Shimano's revenue comes from its world-renowned bicycle components, while the remaining 20% is derived from its high-quality fishing equipment.
Shimano's dedication to innovation and precision extends to its fishing gear, where they produce a wide range of products tailored to both amateur and professional anglers. Shimano's fishing equipment lineup includes top-tier fishing reels, rods, lures, lines, clothes and accessories like luggage. Their products are designed to enhance the fishing experience, offering durability, performance, and reliability. Whether you're targeting freshwater species or going after big game in the ocean, Shimano has the right gear for every angler.
The main manufacturing facilities of this Japanese company are located in Malaysia and Singapore.
The company is a shining example of a family business—currently, Yozo Shimano, a descendant of the original founder, serves as the company's president.