100 years GC

Founded on 11 February 1921 in Japan, GC was established and remains a privately-owned company specialising in dental materials for the global oral health sector. Despite worldwide expansion over nearly 100 years while developing over 600 different dental products, GC has retained its identity and sustained its commitment to excellence. 

Three years later, they released a crystalline cement which offered excellent quality comparable to imported materials. Partly as a reminder of their initial failure, the founders designated 11 February, the date of the first product's launch, as the anniversary of the company. The dedication of the founders to making quality products has been kept alive through generations of GC men and women, and it continues to drive the company's growth.

The GC story is one of consistently triumphing over the odds. It might be difficult for some to believe that today's multinational organisation started out with failure. When GC's founders, Kiyoshi Nakao, Yoshinosuke Enjo and Tokuemon Mizuno, launched their first standard cement, it was not the success they had hoped it would be. Undaunted, they used this experience as stepping stone to move forward. The valuable lesson learnt, which remains entrenched in company ethos today, is the importance of making products by thinking from the customer's point of view.

Thanks to extensive research and development, GC has been a pioneer in the creation of dental material lines that are used in dental laboratories and dental surgeries in countries all around the world today. With four international headquarters based in key world regions, GC has grown in reputation as one of dentistry's leading companies and its product brands are associated with popular clinical techniques that offer sustainable outcomes for patients.

Employing over 2700 associates, GC products total over 600 and are sold in over 100 countries. Its goals for the future are matched in size by its passion for improving the quality of lives of people around the world. The market will continue to expect great things from this company.

The five steps GC has taken over the 100 years to deepen the globalization within company are as follows:

 

Focused on Export     ~1970   
Localization     1971~
Internationalization     1984~
Establishment of regional companies (GCA,GCE)     1992
Multi-nationalization     Today

 

All of this underlines GC's tradition which can be summarised in the concepts of excellence, people-focus and tenacity.

  • The pursuit of excellence continues to drive the company forward based on a tenacious approach in research and development.
  • The customer-focused approach enables the best solutions to be identified for advancing its dental materials.

In 2021 GC will not look back at its achievements and feel that its work is complete. On the contrary, it's determination to pursue excellence will be even greater.

95 Years GC Corporation

In 2016, we published ’95 Years GC Corporation’, a lavishly illustrated history of the company to commemorate its 95th anniversary. You can access the electronic version of the book from the link below. It is a great pleasure for us to be able to share GC’s history with you. Enjoy reading!

Download ’95 Years GC Corporation' here.

GC History 

2020
  • 100th Anniversary Symbol Mark and Slogan was decided
  • Postponement of 100th Anniversary Event due to global pandemic of COVID-19 which became a historic natural disaster and full scale of introduction for remote system
  • Fuji Oyama Factory received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry’s 'National Award for Factory Greening' for its Excellent Greening Factory
2019
  • Dr. Kiyotaka Nakao assumes the role of President of GC International AG
  • Showa Yakuhin Kako Co., Ltd. completed aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing plant
  • GC America new company building completed
  • Mr. Makoto Nakao receives the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette  in the 2019 Autumn Imperial Decorations
  • GC Europe wins 2019 Global Excellence Award
2018
  • Launched 'HENKA', a group-wide ERP system construction project aimed at further improving group management efficiency
  • 'Foundation Nakao for Worldwide Oral Health' was established
2017
  • Established Logo and Slogan for the 100th Anniversary
  • Mr. Makoto Nakao receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Turku, Finland
2016
  • 95th anniversary of GC Corporation
2015
  • FDI and GC establish the new project ‘Oral Health for an Aging Population Partnership’
  • GCC introduces a new 'functional management model'
  • GCC puts a ‘revised and simplified wholesale system’ in operation
2014
  • GC Corporation is ranked 2nd in JUSE and Nikkei’s Corporate Quality Management Survey
  • GCA is awarded the Deming Prize
  • GC India receives ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 certification
2013
  • GCE opens a new administrativ center in Leuven
  • GC International AG established in Lucerne, Switzerland, as the new management platform to lead activities in Europe, the US and Asia
  • GC R&D Center in Tokyo wins 26th Nikkei ‘New Office Promotion Award’
  • GCE is one of the 10 finalists at EFQM ‘Excellence Award’
  • Dr. Kiyotaka NAKAO installed as fifthpresident and CEO of GC Corporation, his father-in-law Makoto NAKAO functions as chairman of GC Corporation and additional CEO and president of GC International AG in Lucerne
2012
  • President Makoto NAKAO receives thr Deming Prize for individuals
  • GC Corporate Center in Hongo wins the 53rd BCS Prize
  • GC Corporation is ranked 6th in JUSE and Nikkei’s Corporate Quality Management Survey
  • GC India incorporated as a Pvt. Ltd. Company
2011
  • 90th anniversary
  • International Symposium celebrates 55th anniversary of the GC Membership Society
  • GC Corporate Center openes in Hongo, Tokyo
  • Vision 2021 kicks off
2010
  • GC Corporation is ranked 3rd in JUSE and Nikkei’s Corporate Quality Management Survey. 1st in the subcategory ranking ‘New Product Development’ and 4th in ‘Quality Assurance and Staff Promotion’
  • GC Dental (Suzhou) receives the Deming Prize (GCSZ)
  • GCT Membership Society achieves 1,700 members (GCT)
  • 10th anniversary of GC Taiwan Green Society (GCT)
2009
  • GC Corporation is ranked 12th in JUSE and Nikkei’s Corporate Quality Management Survey
  • GCE receives EFQM ‘Recognized for Excellence’ award
  • GC Australasia Dental Pty. Ltd. established in Sydney, Australia
2008
  • GC Corporation is ranked 8th in JUSE and Nikkei’s Corporate Quality Management Survey
  • GC Corporation receives award for Excellence in Innovation from the Australian government
  • ‘GC Europe Campus, Meeting and Education Center’ established in Leuven, Belgium
  • GC Shanghai Co., Ltd. closed (GCSZ)
  • GC Asia Dental – branch established in Hyderabad, India
2007
  • GC Advanced Technologies Inc. established
  • GC Corporation is ranked 14th in JUSE and Nikkei’s Corporate Quality Management Survey
  • GCE awarded EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management)
  • ‘Committed to Excellence’ award
  • GC Austrian, GC Benelux Office and GC Nordic AB established
  • GC Brazil established
  • GCK’s 20th anniversary (GCK)
  • Busan and Guwangju office established (GCK)
  • ‘GC Dental (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.’ merges with ‘GC Shanghai Co., Ltd.’ (GCSZ)
2006
  • 85th anniversary of GC Corporation
  • 50th anniversary of the GC Membership Society
  • 60th anniversary of the GC Authorized Dealer Agreement System
  • GC Spain and GC Iberic branches established
  • GC Advanced Technologies Inc. established
  • KGMP (Korean Good Manufacturing Practice) certification acquires (GCK)
2005
  • President Makoto NAKAO appointed sixth chairman of JDTA (Japan Dental Trade Association)
  • GC Corporation is ranked 18th in JUSE (Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers) and Nikkei’s Corporate Quality Management Survey
  • GCSZ acquires ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certification (GCSZ)
2004
  • GC Corporation acquires ISO 14001 certification
  • GC awarded ‘Japan Quality Medal’ (only the 18th company in the world to win the pinnacle of quality control)
  • Nagoya office completed in Aichi, Japan
  • GCE acquires ISO 14001 certification
2003
  • GC Dental Products Corporation receives the ‘Deming Prize’
  • 20th anniversary of Makoto NAKAO as president and CEO of GC Corporation
  • GC Corporation awarded ISO 13485 certification
  • GCT Membership Society founded with 500 people registered (GCT)
  • GC Shanghai Co., Ltd.(GCSZ) established
  • GC Asia Dental – India liaison office established
  • GC Asia Dental enters joint venture in Cooperative Research Centre for Oral Health Science with the School of Dental Science, University of Melbourne, Australia
2002
  • GC Europe’s logistics center opens in Leuven, Belgium
  • GCA acquires ISO 13485 certification
  • GC Dental (Suzhou) Co., Ltd (GCSZ) established
  • Launch of Tooth Mousse in Oceania, Asia region
2001
  • GC Symposium held in Berlin in celebration of GC’s 80th anniversary in conjunction with the 3rd European Adhesive Dentistry
  • GC America logistic center opens headquarters
2000
  • GC Corporation awarded the 'deming Prize'
  • Beijing Office established (GCSZ)
  • GC Asia receives a letter of appreciation from Nepal
1999
  • Introduction of ERP
  • GCA awarded a ‘Vendor’ from Henry Schein and an ‘Excellent Nakama training’ from the Economic Development Committee
1998
  • Start of co-development with PLANMECA
  • Fuji-Oyama factory receives ISO 9001 certification
  • GCE acquires ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification
  • GC Asia Dental Pte., Ltd. moves to Changi Logistics Center Singapore
1997
  • GC Israel branch established in Tel Aviv
1996
  • First International Dental Symposium held to celebrate 40th anniversary of the GC Membership Society and 75th anniversary of GC Corporation
  • GCE’s 25th anniversary
  • Third European factory completed
  • European Conformity certificate acquired
  • President Makoto NAKAO elected as honorary member of ADA (American Dental Association)
1995
  • GC Quality Control becomes GC Quality Management
1994
  • Dental industry’s first company to acquire ISO 9001 certification
  • President Makoto NAKAO assumes chairmanship of IDM (International Dental Manufacturers Federation)
  • Second European factory completed
  • GC Europe Holding Company (GC Europe SA) established in Luxemburg. Branches and sales offices converted into independent corporate entities in sequence (GC France SA, GC Germany GmbH)
  • GC Belgium acquires ISO 9002 certification
  • GC Asia Dental Pte., Ltd. in Singapore established
1993
  • Distribution center in Fuji-Oyama factory completed
  • GC UK office established in Newport Pagnell, UK
  • GCA acquires ISO 9001 certification
  • GC Korea established in Seoul
1992
  • The world’s first light-cured glass ionomer filling material, ‘Fuji Ionomer II LC’ launched
  • GC Italy established in Milan
  • ‘Coe Laboratories Inc.’ renamed ‘GC America Inc.’ Main office / factory and logistic center move to Alsip, Illinois
  • Artificial tooth factory closed and GCT moves to Zhonghe City (GCT)
1991
  • Company renamed ‘GC Corporation’
  • Introduction of corporate identity (including company philosophy, name, brand and corporate color) as a part of Vision 2000
  • 19 Korean dealers visit Fuji-Oyama factory
  • Import business from Taiwan branch started, products sold to Taiwan dealers through Nisseido (GCT)
1990
  • GC Dental Industrial Corp. merge with ‘Coe Laboratories Inc.’
1989
  • First European factory built in Belgium, which starts to ship ‘GC Vest’ (made-in-Belgium product) from European factory
1988
  • GC Hong Kong Branch established (GCSZ)
  • GC Taiwan Corporation established as artificial tooth factory in Sindian City (GCT)
1987
  • Todent Korea (predecessor of GC Korea) established
1986
  • 65th anniversary ceremony
  • GC visits 20,646 customers throughout Japan and the gained information is analyzed to improve operations
  • GC Germany established in Hofheim
1984
  • GC European branch (GCE) completed, moves from Kortrijk to Leuven, Belgium, and opens a warehouse
  • US facility expanded
1983
  • Makoto NAKAO installed as fourth president. Former President Toshio NAKAO passes away
1981
  • 60th anniversary
  • President Toshio NAKAO announces the concept of GQC (GC’s Quality Control)
  • GCI US Branch established in Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Joins ADTA (American Dental Trade Association) as the first Japanese dental company
1978
  • Increasing international exchanges
1977
  • Evolutionary new glass ionomer cement ‘Fujiionomer’ launched
1976
  • Fuji-Oyama factory completed in Oyama, Shizuoka
  • Chairman and former President Kiyoshi NAKAO passes away
1974
  • GCI French sales office opened in Paris, France
1973
  • Company renamed ‘GC Dental Industrial Corporation’
  • ‘GC Dental Equipment Corporation’ established
1972
  • GCI establishes a European branch (GCE) in Kortrijk, Belgium
1971
  • GC International Corporation (GCI) established
1969
  • Founder Tokuemon MIZUNO passes away
1967
  • New plant completed in Itabashi, Tokyo, with enshrined ‘Gigeiten’ statue
1966
  • Kiyoshi NAKAO installed as chairman, Toshio NAKAO installed as third president
1963
  • Office in Osaka completed
1961
  • 40th anniversary
  • Special lectures organized to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the ‘GC Membership Society’
1959
  • R&D Center completed in Itabashi, Tokyo, with enshrined ‘Yumetagai Kwannon’ statue
1958
  • ‘GC Toushi Kogyo Corporation’ established in Kasugai, Aichi
1956
  • ‘GC Membership Society’ founded with 3,600 members
1954
  • President Kiyoshi NAKAO receives the Medal of Honor with green ribbon from the Japanese government
1951
  • American dentistry delegation (Dr. George Pfaffenbarger) visits Japan’s dental industry
  • Development of new products that meet ADA standards, ‘Blue Band Series’
1950
  • Economic boom due to special procurements by Korean war
1948
  • Firm for manufacturing porcelain teeth completed
  • ‘Plastone’ hard dental plaster launched
1946
  • Company renamed ‘GC Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.’
  • Kiyoshi NAKAO installed as second president
  • ‘GC Authorized Dealer Agreement System’ founded with 200 dealers
1941
  • 20th anniversary
  • Company renamed ‘GC Chemicals Research Laboratory’
1938
  • New firm completed in Itabashi, Tokyo. From Ikebukuro to Itabashi. Total number of Associates: 45
1935
  • Exports started, sales channels to major markets sought, GC logo changed
1934
  • Incorporated as a joint-stock company with Yoshinosuke ENJO as first president and Kiyoshi NAKAO as executive director
1925
  • First success launched with ‘Crystalline Cement’
1922
  • First product, ‘Standard Cement’, fails to establish itself on the market
1921
  • ‘GC Chemical Research Laboratory’ established in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
  • Zinc phosphate cement developed
1920
  • Prospectus of development and manufacture of dental materials