On 30 June 2008, Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd (Sumitomo Metals) reached an agreement with Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd (Sumitomo Electric) and Sumitomo Brake Systems Inc. to acquire their railway brake business on 1 September 2008. Through acquiring this business the Company aims to provide technical proposals to its customers along with its existing railway products as a whole brake equipment. This acquisition enables Sumitomo Metals to internally develop and manufacture brake equipment for railway. The Company aims to strengthen and expand its existing railway-related business, specifically the manufacturing and sale of bogie trucks, wheel sets, and brake discs.