Toho Titanium Keeps Cautious Output Control against Market Demand

Mr. Takeshi Kurushima, president of Toho Titanium, received an interview by Japan Metal Bulletin and explained titanium demand has currently recovered to 60% level of the recent peak. He gave a view that inventory adjustment would progress since the demand recently upturned from airplanes, which account for almost half of total titanium demand. The demand is also recovering from plants, shipbuilding and heat exchangers after deterioration accompanied with global financial crisis.

Mr. Kurushima explained Toho Titanium’s titanium sponge production was approximately 3,600 tonnes as total of Chigasaki plant and Wakamatsu plant for April-June. Chigasaki plant kept operating rate at 45% while Wakamatsu plant’s operation was 50% against the capacity which started commercial production in April 2010, he said. As to Yahata plant producing titanium ingot, he described the operating rate improved to 50% in April from below 20% in autumn 2009 and kept 50% operation for April-June.

Mr. Kurushima said the firm adjusts these plants’ operating rate in balance with market demand conditions. The operating rate is expected to improve along titanium demand recovery. Meanwhile, he pointed out, Toho Titanium’s output volume has already increased year-to-year due to Wakamatsu plant’s operation start. Mr. Kurushima said the firm cautiously controls operating rate and output volume.