Japan Cu Alloy Fabricators in High Operations Along Disaster Restoration

Japanese copper alloy fabricators are in high operations. Mitsui Sumitomo Metal Mining Brass & Copper is increasing oxygen-free phosphor copper strip production by around 30%. San-Etsu Metal plans to increase its brass bar and brass wire production to yearly record of 81,000 tonnes in fiscal 2011 ending in March 2012. The demand is steady in summer while the unusual demand related to disaster restoration is also increasing.

Mitsui Sumitomo Metal Mining Brass & Copper is a major supplier of oxygen-free phosphor copper strip which is mainly used for water heaters. The orders usually increase in and after June to prepare for Japanese winter season. Meanwhile, the demand is also increasing along temporary house construction in North Japan after Japan Earthquake. The firm’s output is presently increasing to more than 1,000 tonnes per month against approximately 800 tonnes of the pre-disaster volume.

The firm has two melting furnaces for the productive line of oxygen-free phosphor copper strip. Normally one melting furnace is in operation. The firm can increase the output to around 1,500 tonnes per month at maximum by operating two furnaces fully.

San-Etsu Metal is continuing full production of brass bar. The firm’s brass bar and brass wire production totaled 79,904 tonnes in fiscal 2010. The production increased by 21% from the previous fiscal year and hit the yearly record volume.

The demand has kept steady since the beginning of the year from construction material makers or gas appliance makers. After the major earthquake in March, the demand increased related to restorations in the disaster areas as well as brass bar wholesalers’ and users’ speculative procurement. Japanese brass bar makers maintain high operations.