The Kashima Coastal Industrial Zone enjoys a warm climate, abundant water resources and the physical advantage of being only 80 km from Tokyo. Located at the centre of this industrial zone, the Kashima Plant began manufacturing soda ash and organic chemical products in 1975. In 1981, a facility for the production of flat glass for buildings, one of the largest of its kind in the world, was commissioned. In this way, the Kashima Plant began to develop as a multi-purpose facility. It later expanded into fluorine fine chemicals and high performance glass, and continues to grow steadily.