Sumitomo to boost output

Sumitomo to boost output

TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd. said
yesterday it would boost aluminum output in Japan and Indonesia
on the back of firm demand for home electronics components and
construction materials in Asia.

Japan's third largest steelmaker said it planned to invest
four billion yen (US$37 million) to boost cold-rolled aluminum
output at a plant in northeast Tokyo to 30,000 tons, from the
current 15,000 tons.

The new production lines are expected to be in full swing by
early 1998, officials said.

They also said Sumitomo Metal's Indonesian joint venture, PT
Maspion Stainless Steel Indonesia, would invest $60 million to
build a new plant with annual capacity of 50,000 tons.

Sumitomo Metal has a 12.5-percent stake in the venture, with
the Maspion group holding the balance, Sumitomo said.

The new plant will start production in July 1997 and aluminum
produced will be marketed in Indonesia, it said.