DOWA Metaltech to Expand Rolled Copper by 7.8% in F2007

DOWA Holdings’ metal fabrication subsidiary, DOWA Metaltech will increase the rolled copper output by 7.8% to monthly 4,350 tonnes in fiscal 2007 from previous year with expanded capacity in Iwata, Shizuoka and firm demand. The firm tries to shift to higher valued products including more than 10% output increase for copper alloy sheet and strip and tin reflow plating products. The firm produced monthly 4,070 tonnes of rolled copper products in second half of fiscal 2006, which was lower than original plan of 4,375 tonnes and hither than 4,018 tonnes in same period of fiscal 2005. The firm expects the demand keeps firm for automobile terminal connector despite of slower growth than expected. The firm sees the demand level will keep firm totally for fiscal 2007.