Furukawa Electric to Optimize Copper Tube Operation in 2011

Furukawa Electric announced on Wednesday the firm optimizes production operations of copper tube within 2011 premising ensuring job security. The firm aims to improve profitability of the business by better productivity, competitiveness and product mix. Details of the optimization will be decided through talks with customers, labor unions and concerned parties. As to overseas operations, the firm will continue to follow increasing demand for copper tube mainly at affiliate plants in China and Thailand.

Japanese copper tube market has been gradually decreasing since the peak at approximately 260,000 tonnes in 1996. Japanese air conditioner makers have shifted their operations to overseas and increased out-in supply to domestic market. Domestic demand dropped to approximately 120,000 tonnes in fiscal 2009 (April 2009-March 2010) due to inactive construction activities in Japan.

Furukawa Electric will concentrate management resources into high functional inner grooved tubes for high grade air conditioners or processed copper tubes, taking advantage of its original technology. At the same time, the firm optimizes productive operation and product mix of copper tube and copper plate, even considering minimization for some products.