Kobe will provide Sapa with production technology for aluminium extrusions to be used in Sapa’s plants in Europe, North America and Asia.
The agreement covers processes ranging from melting and casting to extrusion, including Kobe Steel’s aluminium alloys.
Kobe currently produces aluminium extrusions at its Chofu Works plant in Shimonoseki, western Japan. Major products include bumper material for automobiles, aluminium tubes for OPC (organic photo conductor) and drums used in printers.
The deal makes it possible for Sapa to market high-end aluminium extrusions based on Kobe Steel’s technology through the entire Sapa plant network.
For fabricated product, such as bumpers, Kobe Steel will be able to obtain semi-finished materials from Sapa’s locations, process and sell them domestically.