Ohki Brass & Copper’s Brass Bar Output Recovers to 2,500t/m

Japanese major brass bar maker, Ohki Brass & Copper currently produces brass bar at approximately 2,500 tonnes per month, almost as much as in the first half of fiscal 2008 (April-September 2008). The production volume exceeded the output plan by about 10% in January and February thanks to the steady demand for automobiles and home appliances. Ohki Brass & Copper aims the annual consolidated operating profit at 550-600 million yen for January-December 2010, much higher than 2009.

The firm’s brass bar production declined to below 1,500 tonnes per month during January-June 2009 when brass bar demand dropped after the world financial crisis. The firm’s order receipts upturned in July and recovered 2,000 tonnes per month in September thanks to the demand recovery for automobiles and home appliances.

Quick delivery demand is recently increasing. Ohki Brass & Copper could keep the steady order receipt volume even in the non-demand season of January-February. The firm’s abundant inventory enabled the quick product delivery. The firm plans to produce brass bar at average 2,300 tonnes per month for January-December 2010 while the current output is around 2,500 tonnes per month.

The firm’s operating profit widely decreased for January-December 2009 due to the inventory evaluation loss in the first half year. The profitability has improved along the output volume recovery and the firm’s cost cut efforts.