Showa Denko Expands Graphite Electrode Capacity in U.S.A.

Showa Denko announced on Wednesday the firm expands production capacity of graphite electrode to 75,000 tonnes per year from present 45,000 tonnes at U.S. subsidiary, Showa Denko Carbon. Demand for graphite electrode has recently recovered in the U.S.A., the largest consumer country of graphite electrode. At the same time, Showa Denko eyes the sales expansion in Central and South America. Showa Denko Group’s output capacity will total 135,000 tonnes per year including Omachi works in Japan.

Production processes of graphite electrode are consisted of 6 stages, forming, baking, pitch-impregnation, rebaking, graphitizing and machining. Showa Denko Carbon will expand forming and graphitizing processes while introduce additional facilities for baking, pitch impregnation and rebaking. New facilities are designed for production of large diameter electrode with 30 and 32 inches diameter. Operation of new facilities is scheduled to start in the first half of 2013.

Global crude steel production increased by 16% in 2010 from 2009. Crude steel output is forecasted to maintain increasing by 4% per year in emerging countries. Consequently, crude steel output by electric furnace steel makers is expected to increase. Showa Denko expects for consumption increase of graphite electrode. The firm builds up supply chain in Americas, Asia, Middle East and Russia by expansion of Showa Denko Carbon and Omachi works.