Upon his return, Sugita worked diligently to establish a new company. At the time, Asahi Glass was interested in the Colburn process and expressed a desire to participate in the business. Yamashita, who had become director of the Sumitomo headquarters, recognized the importance for Japan to establish a glass industry and obtained Sumitomo’s support to begin preparations to establish a company. Despite some challenges, including a temporary cancellation of the patent registration in Japan, America Japan Sheet Glass Company was finally established on November 22, 1918. In addition to Sumitomo, Libbey Owens and Asahi Glass were the major shareholders and Sugita was appointed representative director and managing director.