Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. has completed expansion work to add production capacity for high-end seamless pipes, at Steel Tube Works in Amagasaki and Wakayama Steel Works, both of the Pipe & Tube Company of Sumitomo Metals. Operations on the YEN 35 billion project began in the end of June 2008. Capacity for seamless pipes has been increased by 100,000tns, particularly for high-margin, distinctive “super” high-end products such as super high-alloy and 13% Cr OCTG pipe. In addition to this completed project, Sumitomo Metals and the Vallourec Group have established a joint venture to operate an integrated blast furnace and seamless pipe production in Brazil. From mid-2010 when its facilities start operation, Sumitomo global supply capacity from Japan and Brazil on a combined basis are expected be 1.6 million tons of seamless pipe per annum.
