Kobe Steel to expand production capacity
Japanese steel producer Kobe Steel has recently announced that it will invest around Yen 40 billion (approx. $363 million) to expand its
production capacity.
Accordingly, Kobe Steel will build a new continuous caster and reline No.3 blast furnace at Kobe Works. Moreover, No.2 blast furnace at Kakogawa Works will be modernized.
The new caster is planned to be operational by September 2006. The relined blast furnace is expected to go into operation in fiscal 2007 and the modernization of No.2 blast furnace is expected to be completed by March 2007.
Kobe Steel officials stated that they plan to expand
production due to rising demand from Asian manufacturers of high grade specialty steel products used in
automotive sector.