Japan Nonferrous Metal Makers Resume Plants Step by Step

Japanese nonferrous metal makers and processors reactivate their productive sites step by step. Furukawa Electric announced on Thursday the firm restarted operation of Nikko works, manufacturing copper alloy products in Tochigi, and Hiratsuka works, manufacturing electric cables, plastic products and electric/telecom components in Kanagawa. However, the copper foil division in Tochigi is concerned to stop operation for another week.

Mitsui Sumitomo Metal Mining Brass & Copper, Japanese major copper alloy fabricator, restarts Saitama plant on March 18 or in a few days. The firm recommences rolling lines at first and casting process of until March 19. The firm reduces impact of TEPCO’s power outage plan by bare copper alloy strip procurement from another maker and addition of electric generators. The output volume is estimated to be 60-70% of normal level.

Kobe Steel announced on Thursday the firm restarts operation of Moka plant in Tochigi gradually on and after March 18. Moka plant is dedicated to produce aluminium flat products for automobiles, hard discs and beverage containers. The plant is expected to reach full production on March 22.

Among major secondary aluminium alloy makers, Daiki Aluminium Industry’s Yuki plant in Ibaraki, Summit Showa Aluminum’s Ibaraki plant and Chiba plant recommenced production and material procurement.