Kobe Steel to Provide Al Extrusion Technology to Swedish Sapa AB

Kobe Steel announced on Tuesday the firm provides aluminium extrusion technology to world largest extrusion maker, Swedish Sapa AB. Kobe Steel supports Japanese users’ local procurement through the technology alliance with Sapa AB with 50 plants in 30 countries.

Kobe Steel provides technology covering full processes from melting, casting to extrusion. The firm also provides original aluminium alloy making technology. With the technology, Sapa AB provides extrusion as Sapa AB brand while Kobe Steel can get royalty. Kobe Steel eyes potential offshore processing business with semi-finished materials from Sapa AB’s plants.

Kobe Steel makes around 2,800 tonnes per month of extrusion at Chofu plant in Yamaguchi while the production capacity is around 4,000 tonnes. The firm has Japanese top share for materials of automotive bumper.

Japanese users including automakers and office equipments makers try to shift the production to offshore plants globally. Kobe Steel tries to follow the move by establishing global supply network through the technology alliance.