Sumitomo Metals Requests Backup to Nippon Steel Due to Kashima Works Down

Sumitomo Metal Industries announced on Tuesday the firm asked Nippon Steel for its support. Sumitomo Metals considers Kashima iron works is unlikely to restart operation in a short term due to earthquake damages. Kashima iron works has suspended all productive lines since its upstream equipment and quay were damaged. Sumitomo Metals seems to have requested production and supply support to Nippon Steel.

In Kashima works, coke gas holder was damaged by fire, coke tank was buckled, gas pipes were partially disconnected, and other surrounding facilities for blast furnaces were damaged. Sumitomo Metals is putting full-scale efforts for recovery of damaged facilities but it is unclear when the works can recommence operation.

Sumitomo Metals explained the current situation to the users including car makers and requested adjustment of delivery lead time. Wakayama iron works and Sumitomo Metals Kokura maintain normal operation but Sumitomo Metals considers alternate production by these sites will be limited due to the difference of productive items.

Kashima iron works is one of Sumitomo Metals’ main productive sites with 2 large size blast furnaces, each capacity of those which is 5,370 cubic meters. Kashima works produces crude steel at approximately 8 million tonnes per year as well as steel sheer, plate, UO pipe and large size shaped steel.