Opening Overseas Outlets Finding that radio sets and parts sold well in China, Sharp's founder concluded a distribution agreement with a major retailer in Hong Kong in July 1931. He also began technological research that would later be used in television. In 1932, the number of Japanese radio listeners passed one million. Hayakawa visited the Southeast Asian markets in 1933, opening new outlets throughout the region. Construction of Hirano Plant in Osaka A branch office opened in Shanghai in April 1934, and in June the Hirano Plant, a new facility for production of radio parts, began construction in Osaka. Hayakawa Metal Works Institute Co. On May 1, 1935, Hayakawa Metal Works Institute Co. (founded in 1924) was incorporated with capital of 300,000 yen. Intermittent Belt Conveyor System An originally designed intermittent belt conveyor system was completed in 1936. A first in Japan, this system achieved an unprecedented level of quality and efficiency. The system's mass production capability made it possible to build a single radio in just 56 seconds. In June 1936, the company was renamed Hayakawa Metal Works Co.