Kobe Steel to enhance the capacity of the copper rolled products plant at Chofu Works

Kobe Steel, Ltd. announces that it has decided to enhance the production capacity of its copper rolled products plant at Chofu Works.

Kobe Steel provides high-value-added copper rolled products for electronic materials, such as high-strength, high-conductivity lead frame materials that allow for high-density integration of power devices and other semiconductor components on integrated circuits (ICs), as well as terminal and connector materials with excellent heat resistance. These products are used by a diverse range of customers.

In the semiconductor industry, demand for power semiconductors and IC semiconductors is projected to rise, propelled by the advancement of vehicle electrification and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, respectively. Automotive terminals and connectors are also in high demand, as the number of electronic components installed in vehicles increases along with increased automobile production and the rapid shift to electrification. Against this backdrop, the electronic materials market as a whole is anticipated to expand in the medium to long term. Orders for our copper rolled products are also expected to increase, driven by demand for stable supplies in this brisk market environment.

In response to rising demand, the Company has decided to enhance its production capacity in order to meet the diverse needs of customers and ensure a stable supply of products.

The Kobe Steel Group (also known as the Kobelco Group) is working on the transformation into an appealing company through providing distinctive technologies, products, and services, with a view to a world in which people, now and in the future, can fulfill their hopes and dreams while enjoying safe, secure, and prosperous lives.

Overview of production capacity enhancement