Sumitomo Metals Offers Cost Saving Solutions for Automakers

Sumitomo Metal Industries started special cooperation to automakers’ cost reduction effort. The firm offers around 80 of cost saving solutions and around 50 of lighter weight solutions for Toyota Motor when Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association requested cost saving support to Japan Iron and Steel Federation. Sumitomo Metals also offers similar solutions to Mazda Motor, Suzuki Motor and other makers. Sumitomo Metals launched automobile cost saving project team. It is the first companywide automobile solution team for the firm while the firm has offered better solutions by each unit and theme including light weight, energy saving, sheet steel and crankshaft. The firm tries to realize the solutions in half year to one year. The firm tries to reduce the steel grades, sizes while the firm improves productivity and yield at the operations. The firm tries to find the win-win solutions through the closer tie-up with automakers. The firm apparently offers higher performance steel products for better cost performance at the users.