Machine maker Japan Steel Works announced that a subsidiary in Muroran, Hokkaido repeatedly falsified and forged product inspection results, and a total of 449 cases of fraud were confirmed.
The Japan Steel Works apologized for the fact that products for nuclear power plants were included in this, and said that it would consider disposing of those involved.
In May, the Japan Steel Works established a special investigation committee made up of outside lawyers in response to the discovery of fraudulent rewriting of parts inspection data at the subsidiary "Japan Steel Works M&E" in Muroran City. I have set it up and have been investigating.
The company published a report summarizing the results on the 14th, in which acts such as rewriting inspection data and reporting to customers the results of inspections that were not actually performed were repeated. It is said that a total of 449 cases of fraud such as falsification were confirmed.
This subsidiary is a major manufacturer of products used in nuclear power plants, and 20 nuclear power plant-related frauds were included in the fraudulent products.
Regarding this, Japan Steel Works explains that no problems that affect quality or performance have been confirmed, and that there are no nuclear power plant-related products that have been illegally used in Japan.
Regarding the cause of the fraud, the report strictly pointed out that there was a malfunction of the management system and low compliance awareness, and the company said, "We deeply apologize for causing a great deal of inconvenience and concern. ”, and will consider disposing of those involved.
President Matsuo ``I can't stand the feeling of misconduct regarding nuclear power products''
In response to this investigation report, Toshio Matsuo, president of Japan Steel Works, issued a comment saying, "I deeply apologize for causing trouble and worry."
In this, he said, ``It is especially shocking that inappropriate acts have been confirmed in nuclear power products, and I cannot stand the feeling of disgust.'' We take it seriously and sincerely, and will work to reform the system and culture to prevent a recurrence and restore trust."