In 1948, at the age of 18, Toshiaki Ogasawara started his career working for the Japan branch of Steel Brothers, a major British trading company. While there, he received a scholarship that allowed him to study at the University of London, and upon his return, he established Nichiei Bussan Co., Ltd., which became the trading agent for Steel Brothers in Japan. Due to the success of his company, he was able to take leave and study at Princeton University, in the United States. There he developed relationships with engineers and management from Illinois Tool Works (ITW) that eventually led to a joint venture between Nichiei Bussan and ITW to develop the plastic fastener market in Japan.   In 1967, the company was established with 10 members and named Nippon Industrial Fastener Corporation (Nifco). With Ogasawara’s drive to overcome challenges, his philosophy of selling solutions, being close to the customer, and partnerships, the business expanded throughout Japan and Asia. Twenty years later the global joint-venture ended but ITW-Nifco was founded in the United States and existed until 1996.

Since its early beginnings in 1967 with 10 members, Nifco Corporation has grown to more than 10,000 team members in 16 countries, with over 377B Japanese Yen in sales. The company serves many of the global automotive manufacturers.  In addition, Nifco provides products for the home and personal apparel industry.