DOWA Metaltech to Add Copper Alloy Casting Furnace

DOWA Holdings’ metal fabrication subsidiary, DOWA Metaltech expands rolled copper making facility in Iwata, Shizuoka. The firm adds a casting furnace for alloyed copper sheet and strip staring operation in May. The firm already expanded tin reflow plating line and slitter in the year. The firm tries to increase the output of high valued products including alloyed copper sheet and strip and tin reflow plating products. With the new casting furnace with monthly 900 tonnes of capacity, the firm increases the furnaces to total 5 including 3 for alloyed copper and 2 for brass. The firm tries to increase the alloyed copper sheet and strip sales rate to 40% in fiscal 2007 started April from 30% in fiscal 2006. The firm added a tin reflow plating line and traverse slitter with monthly 400 tonnes of processing capacity each in February. The firm expanded the tin reflow plating capacity to monthly 1,700 tonnes with the 4 lines while the traverse slitting capacity doubled to monthly 800 tonnes.