Thai Sumilox to Expand Electrical Steel Processing

Electrical steel service center, Thai Sumilox, in which Sumitomo Metal Industry has 41% share, started test running of new 300-tonne press machine after the around 200 million yen of expansion works started 2006. The firm starts commercial operation of the new machine. The firm expands processing capacity from monthly 300 tonnes to 400 tonnes for motor core to meet higher demand from compressor makers and other Japanese transplants. Sumitomo Metals established the service center for electrical steel with Sumitomo Corporation and local partner to serve users in Southeast Asia. The center provides slitting and press processing services along with deposit and logistics. The firm has 2 slitters, which can process products with 0.2-1.6 millimeters thick and 300-1,300 mm width, with annual 40,000 tonnes of capacity and 2 300-tonne press machines, a 200-tonne press machine and 2 80-tonne press machine with total 3,600 tonnes of capacity. The center decided the expansion to increase the output and the value added products supply when users require more processing services under firm demand in Southeast Asia. The firm tries to expand the business with total 3 300-tonne press machine after the expansion including larger plant building.