Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless (NSSC) is joining with traders Sumitomo Corp. and Nippon Steel Trading in a new venture that is likely to become one of Japan’s largest stainless distributors. The three firms announced on 29 March that, to raise efficiency and cut costs, they will combine their domestic flat-rolled. Sumikin Stainless will continue to provide the bulk of Nippon Seisen’s stainless wire rod. Behind the absorption is Nippon Seisen’s need to stay ahead of rival Suzuki Metal Industry. On 2 July Suzuki Metal and Sumitomo Electric Industries will integrate their stainless wire Operations. This will create a new firm whose throughput will be 25,000t/y – close to Nippon Seisen’s present output.
