|  | 02/09/2004 |
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Toho Titanium Expands Titanium Output to 900 tonnes per Month
Titanium market recovers sharply after long lasting slump since 2001. Demand is firm for industrial areas, especially for Chinese electric power plant while airplane demand shows sign to recover. Tight supply continues though sponge titanium makers are trying to meet the increasing demand. President Kazuharu Nogami of Toho Titanium said titanium demand for airplane is mainly for military plane, mid- and small sized plane and exchanging parts. He expected airplane demand would improve as early as late 2005 when private airplane demand was said to recover in 2007-2008.
However, some recent reports said private airplane demand would recover earlier. Mr. Nogami expected airplane demand would improve in 2005 while other industrial demand slows down. With earlier recover of airplane during demand boom for industries, world titanium supply could become tighter. Toho Titanium already more request for 2005 from users than its capacity.
The firm tries to increase output producing 700 tonnes per month. The firm cannot increase output more after the output decreased to 560 tonnes, representing 60% operation. The facilities need certain lead-time to restart idled facility because of the nature of batch production, not continuous smelting. Restart needs more employees with certain training terms. Mr. Nogami said the firm would increase the output to near 900 tonnes per month by March.
 Toho Titanium |
 | Toho Titanium Expands Titanium Output to 900 tonnes per Month
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