Sumitomo’s Kashima Steelworks resumes hot strip mill operations

Japanese steelmaker Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. (Sumitomo Metals), a member of the diversified Sumitomo Corporation, has announced that on April 12 it restarted operation of the hot strip mill at its subsidiary Kashima Steelworks, which was suspended when Japan was hit by a massive earthquake on March 11.
 
In addition, Sumitomo Metals said that Kashima's small diameter welded pipe mill also restarted operation on April 12. Its products include gas pipes and water pipes that will be of help in rebuilding the communities in earthquake-stricken areas.
 
Accordingly, two of Kashima's hot rolling mills, namely, its plate mill and hot strip mill, are now operating. "We are focusing our efforts on restarting the last remaining large shape hot rolling mill," Sumitomo Metals said in its statement.