Niigata based copper processor, Joetsu Holdings started operation of new 1,800 tonnes press machine at the wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai Joetsu Bronz1 to start brass extrusion business as the first attempt of Japanese company in China. The firm serves transplants of Japanese makers for industrial and construction machinery and bearing parts in China. The firm launches monthly 300 tonnes of production increasing to 1,000 tonnes.
The plant makes extrusion around bar with 15-80 millimeters diameter and round pipe with up to 120 mm diameter. The plant makes mainly high valued products including brass without lead and high tension bras products. The group company of Joetsu Bronz1 in Niigata imports the brass extrusion from Shanghai plant for Japanese market and exports to US market. The firm also provides billet for the extrusion to Shanghai plant. The group developed NEXTBRASS, C49355 to meet lead content US regulation for plumbing products in 2014. The group expects the demand increases in Japan when Japanese government also introduces such regulation soon. The group tries to offer better solutions for the users’ offshore plants when the users expand the offshore operation under higher yen rate. The group expands the supply network with the value engineering proposal from high tension brass with wear resistance to finished products.