Yodoko to Build Up Cold Rolling Mill in Taiwan

Japanese major galvanized steel sheet maker, Yodoko plans to raise production capacity of cold rolling mill at Taiwanese subsidiary, Sheng Yu Steel Co. (SYSCO), by 23% to 790,000 tonnes per year by renewal of no.1 cold rolling mill in 2008-2009. Yodoko estimates the total investment of approximately 1.6 billion yen. Yodoko also considers introduction of a new galvanizing line at SYSCO to strengthen the production capacity of high grade steel products.SYSCO is a steel sheet manufacturer controlled by Yodoko with 52% share, which produces mainly colored sheet and galvanized sheet at total 650,000 tonnes per year. SYSCO’s sales account for about 30% of Yodoko group’s consolidated sales. SYSCO has a pickling line, 2 cold rolling mills, 2 hot-dip galvanizing lines and 2 coloring lines.Output capacity of no.1 cold rolling mill will be expanded to 460,000 tonnes per year in 2009 from current 310,000 tonnes by equipment remodeling in 2008-2009. SYSCO will raise the total production capacity to 790,000 tonnes per year including no.2 cold rolling mill with 330,000 tonnes capacity.SYSCO has advanced 5-year midterm business plan toward 2011 to expand strategic products, mainly high grade steels, and to raise total output volume in response for increasing demand from Japanese and offshore markets. SYSCO next plans to build up hot-dip galvanizing capacity. SYSCO’s official said the firm will decide whether to introduce no.3 galvanizing line along the market conditions and the assessment for FTA (Free Trading Agreement) in Asia within next 1-2 years.