Sumitomo Light Metal Raises Rolled Aluminium Operation

Sumitomo Light Metal Industries increases the rolled aluminium operation at Nagoya plant. The production in July is more than 90% of the level in April-September 2008. The extrusion production is still as low as 60% level due to slow demand for motorcycle and machine tool.

The production was bottom in February-March at around 60% for rolled products and around 40% for extrusion. The rolled production increases to 92-93% from around 80% in April-June due to seasonal higher demand for aluminium can while the demand recovers for aluminium foil for information devices.

The production reached monthly 500 tonnes level for rolled products for hybrid vehicle, which is near double of April-June level. The firm expects the rolled products operation will keep around 80% production in October 2009-March 2010.

The extrusion production recovered near 60% level by June but the demand is still weak for motorcycle and machine tool. The firm expects the production would keep 60% level in October 2009-March 2010.

The firm renews cold rolling mill for sheet products as planned. The firm starts test running by the end of the year entering commercial production in April 2010. The firm expects the new mill, which can make thin products as thin as 50 micrometers, could meet future demand for fuel battery parts.