Kobe Steel and Toyota Tsusho are exploring the production of aluminum sheets for the automotive industry in the United States

Kobe Steel Limited and Toyota Tsusho Corporation decided to consider establishing a joint venture to manufacture and market aluminum sheet for automotive body panels and automotive heat exchangers in the United States to meet the needs of the domestic and overseas market.

Both companies plan to conduct further research with a view to concluding a joint venture agreement by the end of September 2014. The joint venture is expected to produce and sell mainly aluminum sheet for car body panels as well as car heat exchangers, starting main operations from 2017.

In the joint venture scheme, Kobe Steel will be responsible for production, quality assurance and business operations. Toyota Tsusho will play an important role in product marketing. The equipment of the JV is expected to mainly cover aluminum sheet production operations. Kobe Steel is currently in negotiations for supplies with Wise Alloys LLC.

Wise Alloys LLC is based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and is a major US manufacturer of aluminum products supplying the food and beverage industry. In addition, the manufacture and sale of aluminum sheet for other industries is also being considered. With plans to meet its customers' global purchasing needs, Kobe Steel continues to strengthen its automotive aluminum business.