Moving Forward Together While Staying True to What Makes AEC Unique
AEC held a Town Hall Meeting at its headquarters.
Following AEC’s official start as a member of the Shimizu Corporation Group, the meeting provided an opportunity for employees to learn about the history and strengths of both Shimizu Corporation and AEC, as well as the direction the two companies will take moving forward.
One message shared throughout the Town Hall was the importance of building a new relationship while respecting what each company has valued over the years.
First, Getting to Know and Respect One Another
The Town Hall began with a video message from Shimizu Corporation President Shimmura.
One key topic he addressed was the corporate culture AEC has built over many years.
At AEC, employees have valued one another and worked together as one team.
Shimizu Corporation shared its commitment to respecting and preserving this aspect of what makes AEC, AEC.
At the same time, as the two companies begin working together as members of the same group, it is important to first understand each other’s history, corporate culture, and values.
The message was clear: the starting point for this new chapter is getting to know and respect one another.
Building on AEC’s Strengths for Future Growth
The Town Hall continued with a management message from Shimizu Corporation explaining the background behind welcoming AEC into the group and opportunities for future growth.
AEC’s strengths include the expertise, technical knowledge, and experience it has developed through many years of work on U.S. military projects; its ability to navigate the cultures and business practices of Japan and the United States; and the relationships it has built with customers, local communities, and business partners.
AEC’s technical capabilities in facilities and IT infrastructure, as well as its “One Team” culture, in which employees support one another, were also highlighted as important strengths.
Shimizu Corporation’s expertise in architecture and civil engineering, as well as its project management capabilities, can complement the experience and expertise AEC has built over the years.
By bringing these strengths together, the companies can explore business opportunities beyond those they have pursued independently.
In addition to its existing work related to U.S. military facilities, potential opportunities in overseas markets, including Guam, as well as areas such as data centers and environmental projects, were also discussed.
These new opportunities will ultimately be pursued by the people working on the ground.
The Town Hall was therefore not only about the company’s direction, but also about the work and opportunities ahead for the people of AEC.
Two Histories Shaped Alongside Okinawa
As part of the introduction to Shimizu Corporation, its 222-year history and longstanding connection with Okinawa were also presented.
Shimizu Corporation’s work in Okinawa dates back to 1928, when it was involved in the “Showa Restoration” of the Seiden, or main hall, of Shuri Castle.
Since then, throughout Okinawa’s postwar reconstruction and development, the company has worked on a wide range of projects, including U.S. military-related facilities, hotels, public facilities, and infrastructure.
Today, Shimizu Corporation continues to operate in Okinawa, including its involvement in the reconstruction of the Seiden of Shuri Castle and the Okinawa Hokubu Medical Center.
AEC, too, has been based in Okinawa since its founding in 1964.
The two companies have followed different paths and built different histories. At the same time, both have continued to work in Okinawa while maintaining strong ties with the community.
Going forward, the two companies will work together to further develop their respective strengths and contribute to continued growth.
Staying True to What Makes AEC, AEC—and Building a New Chapter
Throughout the Town Hall, one idea was shared repeatedly: AEC will continue to respect what it has valued over the years while taking on new challenges.
At the close of the meeting, AEC President Ken shared a message with employees: to carry forward the history and values AEC has built, while incorporating the technologies and knowledge of the Shimizu Corporation Group; and, by working together as both companies and as one team, to bring AEC’s mission to life on an even greater scale.
AEC’s history, which began with its founding in 1964, is now entering a new chapter.
As we remain true to what makes AEC, AEC, we will move forward as a member of the Shimizu Corporation Group and build what comes next together.
