Kure District Headquarters Representatives’ Office Sponsors Community Association’s History Walk
IHI’s Kure District Headquarters Representatives’ Office sponsored the Kure Miyahara Residents Association’s history walk on October 21, opening its archives and part of its premises to the public for that event. The association organizes these walks several times annually to foster local wellbeing. A total of 36 people took advantage of the fine weather to take part.
An IHI employee started the facilities tour with a historical overview. The site was originally the Kure Naval Arsenal (see note). IHI (then the Kure Dock of Harima Shipbuilding & Engineering) took over the site and facilities after World War II. The site was once central to IHI’s shipbuilding business. It is the world’s biggest production facility for aero-engine shafts. The buildings have remained beautifully preserved since their construction. The IHI Group uses them for offices and other purposes.
The white main building serves as offices for Group employees. Engineers originally used it as the Kure Naval Arsenal Machinery Department’s office for designing and drafting. The brick Kure General Office Annex, which houses the archives, was an office for the arsenal’s Shipbuilding Department. Arsenal executives apparently had offices there.
- Note: The arsenal was under direct military control, developing, manufacturing, repairing, storing, and supplying arms and ammunition. The legendary Yamato battleship was built there.
After touring the main building, participants perused archives in the annex building. Many of them were well versed in local history. Employees taking participants on the tour asked them to share their knowledge about pictures on display.
The tour ended with a group photo. The participants expressed much gratitude for this effort, which reinforced solid ties with the community.
The Kure District Headquarters Representatives’ Office Works will keep deepening connections with community bodies as part of its ongoing commitment to good corporate citizenship.
