STP Re-starts Operation of no.2 Tin Plate Production Line in Thailand

Siam Tin Plate (STP), tin plate makers in Thailand established by Sumitomo Corporation, Metal One and Nippon Steel, started no.2 production line of tin free steel in night of September 21. The firm was forced in stopped No.2 line which is capacity at 120,000 tonnes per year, by judgment of local court in Thailand. The firm will increases the output for expanded demand for food can. No.1 production line’s capacity is 150,000 tonnes per year.

The demand for steel can increased by double to 550,000 tonnes for 10 years after 1997, and is expected to increase to 600,000 tonnes in this year. In 2008, STP supplied at 130,000 tonnes per year to domestic market, Thai Tin Plate supplied at 250,000 tonnes and imported tin plate was 180,000 tonnes.

STP decided t to introduce no.2 line with the investment of about 4.9 billion yen for expanding domestic demand. in 2007, and started the operation of the line in mid-September 2009. However, inhabitant in Maptaput area went to court about 76 projects by environmental affairs. STP forced in stop of the line in October 1 despite of appliance.

Independent committee judged STP’s no.2 line doesn’t make an impact to hurt in September 15.

Mr. Hiroyuki Umeoka, the president of STP, said Thai government solved the problem when Japanese enterprises reduce investment in Thailand by Maptaput problem. Mr. Umeoka said Japanese government, JETRO and Japanese Chamber of Commerce applied improvement of the problem to Thai government, Ministry of Industry or Bureau of Investment.