Metal One, Usiminas Expand JV Flat Steel Blanking Capacity

Japanese major trading firm, Metal One Corporation expanded steel processing capacity at Rio Negro Comercio E Industria de Aco, S.A., which is joint venture with Usiminas in Brazil. The JV added press blanking line and tailored blanking line for around US$ 20 million to increase supply for automobile industry. Brazilian automobile output is expected to reach 3 million units in years from estimated 2.9 million units in 2007 and 2.4 million units in 2006. Automobile output is also increasing through South American countries. The steel processing JV decided the expansion to meet growing demand for high valued steel products. The JV doubled the press blanking capacity through the expansion to 2 lines while the JV expanded the tailored blanking capacity by 50% after addition to 3 lines. Usiminas controls around 64% of the JV with 30% share by Metal One. The JV has around 600,000 tonnes of annual processing capacity at 2 plants in Guarulhos and Taubate.