Sumitomo Metals Increases Forged Crank Shaft Output Worldwide

Sumitomo Metal Industries plans to increase forged crank shaft production to 9.3 million tonnes per year as total of 4 works in Japan, U.S.A., China and India in fiscal 2013 ending in March 2014. The annual output is expected to hit the record in fiscal 2010. The firm examines introduction of the second productive line in Indian works until fiscal 2013. The demand is expanding for gasoline cars in emerging countries while U.S. automobile makers are shifting to forged crank shaft from conventional casted crank shaft for weight saving. Sumitomo Metals aims to follow the demand growth with its global 4 works.

Sumitomo Metal’s output has recovered since the second half of fiscal 2009. ICI, the works in USA, is expected to double the output to 1.6 million sets in fiscal 2010 from fiscal 2009. The works in China is estimated to increase the output by 1.4 times to 1.07 million sets. Japanese works would increase the production by 40%. These 3 works’ output could exceed the peak level in fiscal 2007 slightly.

Another new works in India has gradually increased the production to 400,000 sets. These 4 works’ output would increase by about 50% in fiscal 2010 from 2009. Sumitomo Metals eyes capacity expansion in India, China and U.S.A.

Mr. Mitsuyoshi Okada, Sumitomo Metals’ managing director, said world automobile production is forecasted to reach 90 million sets in 2013 and Sumitomo Metals aims to increase the global market share to 10-15%. U.S. car makers, BIG 3, are expected to increase adoption of forged crank shaft to 70-80% in 2013 from present 20-30% in 2010. Japanese automakers’ adopting ratio is also expected to exceed present 70-80%.

China works currently supplies forged crank shaft mainly to Japanese automakers. The works plans to increase the supply to Chinese automakers when Chinese car makers are also forecasted to use forged crank shaft for weight saving.