Kobe Steel, Ltd. operating worldwide under the brand Kobelco, is a major Japanese steel manufacturer headquartered in Chūō-ku, Kobe. Kobe Steel also has a stake in Osaka Titanium Technologies.The company supplies about half of the global market of the wires used in valve springs of auto engines.
It was formed on September 1, 1905. Its location in a major city port was useful for importing and exporting iron ore and coal. It is one of Kobe's oldest industrial companies.Its main production facilities are Kakogawa Steel Works and Kobe Steel Works. Kobe Steel is the owner of the rugby team Kobelco Steelers.