The Kashima Coastal Industrial Zone enjoys a warm climate, rich water resources and the physical advantage of being only 80 km from Tokyo. Located at the center of this industrial zone, the Kashima Plant started the manufacture of soda products and organic chemical products in 1975. In 1981, a facility for the production of flat glass for buildings started operation as one of the largest of its kind in the world. In this way, the Kashima Plant began to develop as a multi-purpose plant. It later expanded its activity areas to exterior wall materials for housing, fluorine fine chemicals and high-functional glasses; its steady growth continues today.