Scaffolding has developed in tandem with architectural history. At remains of ancient structures from the 8th-century Japan, traces of holes dug in the ground for erecting scaffolding lumber have been found. Historical sources from between the 12th and 16th centuries show that “logs” were used to build scaffolding for shrines, castles, and other structures.

A paradigm shift came in Japan as recently as the post-World War II days, when metal “frame scaffolding” was imported from the U.S. As Japan was undergoing an extended construction boom, which was sustained by the drive to rebuild after the war and the subsequent rapid economic growth, “frame scaffolding” spread almost instantly for its ease of assembly relative to log scaffolding. Frame scaffolding, however, had its own flaws when used to build structures such as detached houses in the confined areas of Japan; namely, low freedom of use and poor construction work efficiency. As a solution, we came up with “wedge binding-type scaffolding,” which makes construction work easier than frame scaffolding does. In addition, improvements in production engineering made it possible to make the components more compact, lighter, and more than strong enough. Today, this unique offering from Shinwa is widely recognized as a preferred choice of scaffolding for detached houses and mid-rise buildings.

Founded in 1977, Shinwa began manufacturing and selling the wedge binding-type scaffolding as early as in 1988. In anticipation of robust building demand, we lost no time preparing ourselves for mass production by, for example, automating welding lines. Now, Shinwa’s wedge binding-type scaffolding not only enjoys the leading share of sales in Japan but is also a “de-facto standard” for scaffolding.

Meanwhile, we tapped into our know-how in metalworking to enter the logistics equipment market in 2003. In a bid to satisfy the needs for safe and efficient storage and conveyance in a wide range of fields from pallets for transporting auto engines, etc., to electronics, chemicals, precision machinery, agriculture, fishery, and distribution warehouses, we have a “sales & engineering function.” This enables us to work closely with customers to develop an end-to-end service from design to sales.