Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube to Use Thai Plant More for Japan Users

Japanese largest copper tube maker, Kobelco & Materials Copper Tube tries to increase tube supply from Thai operation to Japanese market. The firm tries to secure stable supply through the made in Thailand project when Japanese supply could get tight during demand season.

Japanese copper tube supply was short for the demand when air conditioner sales increased under very hot summer. The firm started the supply last year from Thai operation to limited numbers of Japanese users after the users’ approvals. The supply was monthly around 50 tonnes and exceeded 100 tonnes at the peak.

Japanese copper tube supply could get tighter amid domestic makers’ reshuffle. The firm expects the order receipt could increase by around 500 tonnes level at the peak. The firm tries to establish supply ability from Thailand at monthly 200-300 tonnes level.

The firm expects the copper tube production is around 89,000 tonnes in fiscal 2011 ending March 2012, which is slight higher than 88,000 tonnes in fiscal 2010. The production is around 55,000 tonnes at Hatano plant in Kanagawa compared with 53,000 tonnes in fiscal 2010. The production is 24,000 tonnes in Thailand compared with 26,000 tonnes in fiscal 2010 while the production in Malaysia is near 10,000 tonnes as fiscal 2010. The firm targets total 90,000 tonnes of production in fiscal 2012.