Sumitomo Metals Launches Thai No.3 Pipe Making Line

Sumitomo Metal Industries’ automotive mechanical steel pipe making subsidiary, Thai Steel Pipe Industry launched operation of No.3 line at plant in Chonburi of Thailand in mid-October. The firm increases the output and improves the efficiency to meet strong demand in Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia.

The firm has gradually increased the output capacity. The firm added No.3 line when automotive pipe demand is rapidly increasing in Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia.

The firm’s No.3 line mainly produces small diameter electric resistance welded pipe. The firm’s automotive pipe production capacity has increased to monthly 7,000 tonnes from 5,000 tonnes. Sumitomo Metals’ vice president and top of pipe and tube business unit Syuichiro Kozuka said with the new line, the operation gets efficient more.

Thai Steel Pipe Industry established in 1963. Sumitomo Metals controls 55% of the subsidiary with 30% share by Sumitomo Corporation group and 15% share by Mitsui & Co. group. The Thailand based company, which has high frequency ERW pipe making facilities, 4 cold drawing machines with 15,000 tonnes of annual processing capacity and 24 cutting machines, produces mechanical pipe for motorcycle and automobile.