History

1928

Establishment of Japan Gasoline Co., Ltd., the Predecessor of JGC Holdings Corporation

Founder Masao Saneyoshi
JGC company head office at the time of founding

The company was founded on October 25, 1928, in Uchisaiwai-cho, Kojimachi-ku, Tokyo.
Masao Saneyoshi, the founder and first president, initially intended to build and operate domestic refineries, and market gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, and other such petroleum products. In light of various circumstances, however, he abandoned this plan and instead pursued business operations centered mainly on licensing processes from Universal Oil Products (UOP).
During the 1930s, JGC inaugurated a simultaneous engineering business. This was the start of the first engineering firm in Japan.

1930s - 1950s

Engineering Business Growth into Full-scale Operation
Start of Catalyst Manufacturing Business

The Tokuyama Refinery for Idemitsu Kosan

In the great wave of postwar reconstruction and economic growth of Japan, JGC received successive contracts to build petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants. In 1956, the company won the contract for construction of the Tokuyama Refinery from the ground up for Idemitsu Kosan. This was Japan's first grassroots petroleum refinery, and the successful completion of this project on a short delivery schedule established JGC's high reputation as an engineering contractor. JGC made significant contributions to the construction of infrastructure for the rapid growth of Japan's economy.
JGC started catalyst manufacturing business in the 1940s.

1960s - 1970s

Seeking to Compete in Overseas Markets, JGC Expanded into Diverse Fields of Business

The Crown Prince (Emperor Akihito) visiting a refinery under construction in Peru
JGC's first LNG plant in Brunei

JGC used its extensive domestic record of achievements as traction to capture successive orders that expanded its operations overseas.
The company took the lead in plant exports from Japan with new petroleum refinery construction in South America, and thereafter expanded into China, Southeast Asia, North Africa, and other markets. JGC also took steps to diversify its business into the nuclear power, pharmaceutical, and medical facility fields.
JGC was also building its foundation for becoming the leading company in LNG plant construction.
In the 1970s, JGC began providing consulting and engineering services on nuclear power and environmental issues.

1980s - 1990s

Establishing its Position as a World-class Engineering Enterprise, JGC Energetically Promotes the Globalization of Project Execution

LNG plant in Indonesia
Yokohama World Operations Center (since 1997)

The rising value of the yen following the Plaza Accord of 1985 brought a decline in cost competitiveness that JGC addressed by aggressively building its bases overseas.
The company won a series of contracts for large-scale petroleum refining, petrochemical, LNG, and other such projects around the world, and in doing so, achieved an unshakable position among the world's top few engineering contractors.
In 1997, JGC founded its Yokohama World Operations Center in the Minato-Mirai district of Yokohama.
In the 1980s, JGC launched a fine ceramics business as one of functional manufacturing businesses.

2000s

Range of Activities Rapidly Expands Amid Global Advances in Resource Development

Gas processing plant in Saudi Arabia
LNG plant in Indonesia

After passing through a turndown of plant engineering in the late 1990s, the 2000s brought expanding energy demand in the developing countries which formed the backdrop to sharp rises in crude oil prices and an unprecedented boom in plant construction in the Gulf countries of the Middle East.
By staying among the first to respond to this circumstance, JGC also experienced a rapid expansion in business performance and contracts won. The growth in natural gas demand that continued from the late 1990s brought the company a succession of contracts to build LNG plants and natural gas processing plants.
JGC established its position as the top contractor in the LNG field.

2010s to the Present

Responding to Fluctuating Oil Markets, JGC Expands into the North American Market and Offshore and Infrastructure Business Areas

Gas processing plant in UAE
Ethylene plant in U.S.A.

The plant market in the North American region has suddenly risen to prominence due to the shale revolution.
Numerous LNG, gas chemical, and other such projects have been realized in North America, and JGC was able to expand into the North American market. In the offshore field, the company has also established its solid presence as an industry leader in the floating LNG (FLNG) area.
In the infrastructure field, JGC is engaged in development projects, starting with solar power generation in Japan, while expanding into the overseas market in tandem with its overseas subsidiaries.