Sumitomo Light Metal to Expand Ti Pipe Capacity

Sumitomo Light Metal Industries announced on Monday the firm adds a line to make titanium pipe totaling 3 lines at Aichi plant, which makes copper and titanium pipe for 500 million yen. With the new line and conversion for better productivity, the titanium production capacity increases from current 80 tonnes per month to 150 tonnes by December and then 200 tonnes in 2012. The firm tries to expand the capacity to meet growing demand for atomic power plant while the firm improves the cost competitiveness.

The firm also completed the renewal of aluminium wide cold rolling mill at Nagoya plant for around 3 billion yen. The firm starts the operation in April, one month ahead of the original schedule. The firm started the renewal project in fiscal 2007 ended March 2008 to improve the competitiveness in sheet market.