Shimano

Shimano Iron Works, the predecessor of Shimano Inc., was founded in 1921 by Shozaburo Shimano in the 
city of Sakai, Osaka in Japan. The first production was the single freewheel of the bicycle, which 
required the utmost technical skill for the production. In 1951, the company name changed to Shimano 
Industrial Co., LTD.

They established Shimano American Corporation (now Shimano North America Holding, Inc.) as the first 
overseas sales office in 1965, while Shimano Singapore Pte. Ltd. as the first overseas manufacturing 
base in 1973. In 1991, the company name company changed to Shimano Inc. We have currently expanded our networks around the world with established subsidiaries.

Since Shimano's founding, the headquarters have remained in Sakai, Shimano's hometown. Shimano Inc. 
is the headquarters and has a wide range of functions, including planning, development, design, 
manufacturing and various other supporting functions for the supply of bicycle parts, fishing tackle 
and boating equipment.