Japan Steel Works, a machine maker, revealed that its subsidiary in Muroran, Hokkaido, had rewritten inspection data for parts used in turbines for thermal power generation and made it appear that it met the quality standards contracted with its business partners. I made it.
According to the company's announcement, the one who was fraudulent in the inspection was "Japan Steel Works M & E" in Muroran City, a subsidiary of Japan Steel Works.
This subsidiary handles steel products, but inspects parts called "rotor shafts" used in turbines for thermal power generation, even though they do not meet the standards such as strength agreed in the contract with the business partner. It was rewriting the data and pretending to meet the criteria.
It was discovered in February by a whistleblower from an employee of this subsidiary, and an internal investigation revealed that fraud had been committed since 1998 at the latest.
So far, the company that delivered the product has not reported any accidents.
In addition, although this subsidiary is a major producer of steel products used in nuclear power plants, no inspection fraud has been confirmed for nuclear-related products.
The Japan Steel Works believes that the fraud was committed in an attempt to meet the deadline, but in the future, the investigation committee made up of lawyers will also investigate the cause and said, "It is a serious act that greatly damages trust, and I deeply apologize. I would like to say it. "