Japanese group Kawakin Core-Tech, a leading producer of affordable, earthquake-resistant buckling-restrained brace, has opened its new branch in Turkish city Istanbul. 

 

This branch was opened to give an early introduction of the in-development buckling-restrained braces, along with the group's seismic isolation, dampers, and seismic devices.

 

The Japanese group kicked off operations today (October 29) as it marked the 75th anniversary of the Kawakin Holdings Group, which originated with the founding of Kawaguchi Metal Industries, and the 100th anniversary of the founding of Turkey.

 

From 2022, the company had been involved in a joint research with Istanbul Technical University to produce an affordable, earthquake-resistant buckling-restrained brace. 

 

In February 2023, during the joint research, the "Turkey-Syria earthquake" occurred. It has been suggested that one of the contributing factors to the damage caused by the earthquake was that the construction did not adhere to proper building standards. 

 

After the earthquake, the Japanese group decided to open its new branch in Istanbul. 

 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President and CEO Shinkichi Suzuki said: "We would like to use our experience and technology to help protect Turkey's social infrastructure and buildings from earthquakes."

 

"Kawakin promotes tirelessly for the advancement of technology, and cultivation of new applications and fields, both in bridges, and in other areas such as seismic isolation," he noted. 

 

The ceremony was attended by Takahiko Katsuyoshi, Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, Professor Oğuz Cem Çelik from the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Technical University and Branch Manager Tolga Onal.

 

Katsuyoshi emphasised that Kawakin Core-Tech's products played an extremely important role in protecting human lives and society. "We are proud that the firm is expanding its business to this region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service