Toho Titanium to Increase Ti Sponge Output by 80% in F2010

Mr. Takeshi Kurushima, president of Toho Titanium, explained at a press conference on Wednesday that Toho Titanium plans to produce titanium sponge at 13,875 tonnes in fiscal 2010 ending in March 2011, increasing by 80.8% from fiscal 2009. The production widely increases when Wakamatsu plant in Kitakyusyu City, Fukuoka, Japan started commercial production in April. He also explained operating rate of Yahata plant in Kitakyusyu recovered to 50% of the capacity in April.

Mr. Kurushima said Wakamatsu plant started production at 500 tonnes per month in April, 50% of the capacity. Toho Titanium supposes to keep the operating level for a while. Mr. Kurushima also referred to Chigasaki plant in Kanagawa, Japan which continues output reduction by 55% since October 2009. He said the firm doesn’t think to lower Chigasaki plant’s operating rate more.

Yahata plant’s operating rate was below 20% in autumn 2009. The operation gradually improved and reached 50% in April. Toho Titanium previously planned to bring Yahata plant into full operation within fiscal 2010 but the schedule will be delayed.

Titanium demand seems hitting the bottom recently when large plant constructions are recommenced or atomic power plant projects are increasing. Toho Titanium plans to increase the annual sales volume of titanium sponge and ingot by 55.9% to 12,275 tonnes in fiscal 2010 from fiscal 2009.