With the establishment of the Overseas Department (Currently called as International Division) in 1963, we began looking to expand outside Japan, particularly into Singapore. In 1976, we won the order worth ¥29.9 billion for construction of Changi International Airport. At the time, it was the largest overseas project undertaken by a Japanese construction company.

In 1972, we set its sights on the Middle East and in 1976, we won a major contract for construction of the industrial port facility at Khor Al-Zubair in Iraq. At ¥33.4 billion, this was the biggest project undertaken by the Company. However, We were later forced to withdraw from the region following the Iranian revolution and the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq war in September 1980.

Toan-maru during dredging operations (4,720 ps)

HISTORY

Following substantial losses sustained in the term ending March 1981, mainly as a result of unprofitable overseas operations, we launched an ambitious three-year recovery program called Katsu in April 1981, predicated on a stronger focus on domestic projects and fast-tracking of loss-making overseas projects. The program objectives were achieved a full year ahead of schedule, with dividend distribution resuming in the March 1983 period.

The next three-year program, Tou, launched in 1984, was designed to weather the climate of cut-throat competition for orders in a shrinking marketplace during the so-called “construction winter”.

HISTORY

In 1987, the government of Japan announced a comprehensive initiative to stimulate domestic demand, including a six trillion yen economic stimulus package and deregulation reforms. These brought immediate benefits to the construction industry. We engaged on number of major national infrastructure projects including expansion of Haneda Airport, construction of bridges to Shikoku, development of the Kansai International Airport and construction of Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway, as well as construction of power stations for energy utilities and other projects in the energy sector.

HISTORY

The collapse of the bubble economy in the early 1990s plunged the Japanese economy into a prolonged downturn. Public sector construction investment was significantly curtailed after 2001, causing major shifts in the construction industry.

TOA CORPORATION, already cognizant of the need to reduce its reliance on domestic public works projects, has been aggressively pursuing construction contracts in the private sector as well as overseas projects, particularly in Southeast Asia, where demand remains strong. In 2008, we celebrated the 100th founding anniversary.

HISTORY