Aichi Steel is expanding sales of rust-resistant stainless steel materials and strengthening proposals to extend the service life of aging infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels. It aims to expand applications beyond public works into the pharmaceutical, food and new energy sectors.
As infrastructure in Japan continues to age, Aichi Steel has indicated that it plans to expand sales of rust-resistant stainless steel materials to extend service life. The company is proposing the material as a way to reduce the maintenance burden for bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure, while seeking to expand demand beyond public works.
According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan has approximately 730,000 road bridges measuring at least 2 meters in length and approximately 12,000 tunnels. Road bridges more than 50 years old are expected to account for approximately 42% as of 2025, approximately 54% around 2030 and approximately 75% around 2040. The proportion of tunnels is also expected to rise from approximately 28% in 2025 to approximately 52% in 2040, making funding and securing personnel challenges for municipalities undertaking repairs and renewals.
Stainless steel is considered to have higher corrosion resistance than iron and to contribute to longer service life. Aichi Steel intends to expand applications beyond public works into the pharmaceutical, food and new energy sectors, making this business a growth pillar.