Metal Products - Topics
Sumitomo has taken the initiative in building our own steel processing facilities called Steel Service Centers ("SSC") near the production bases of automotive manufacturers and home electronics makers, both in Japan and around the world. SSCs around the world are engaged in sourcing coiled steel sheets (materials) from steel manufacturers according to customer production plans, conducting inventory management, processing according to customer specifications, and in providing just-in-time delivery services.
Starting with Singapore in 1977, Sumitomo has expanded the number of its operations bases throughout Asia. As of March 2010, Sumitomo had 40 SSCs in operation in Japan and other locations throughout the world. The total processing capacity of our Steel Service Centers has reached 7 million tons—the top among all trading firms. Sumitomo will continue to expand operation centers to offer even greater levels of service, answering the expected increase in demand among Asian automotive manufacturers and home electronics makers.
Sumitomo Corporation has developed "TIMS (Tubular Information Management System)," a proprietary SCM system for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) used for oil and gas drilling, establishing a competitive advantage in the market. Specifically, Sumitomo manages/ forecasts OCTG usage and demand, taking care of the entire range of customer needs, from orders to steel manufacturers to overseas transport, from inventory management to transportation to on-site installation. Sumitomo also offers after-sale OCTG maintenance and storage services. As of March 2010, Sumitomo has sold services incorporating TIMS in 13 different countries and 14 different oil/gas development bases.
In China, where a succession of Japanese auto manufacturers has entered the market, Sumitomo has created tool steel processing and sales network bases in three locations: Shanghai (Hua Dong district), Foshan (Hua Nan district), and Dalian (Hua Bei district) in order to respond to new demand for automotive components. Sumitomo has established tool steel supply facilities around the globe for automotive manufacturers and die makers, including five locations in Japan (including operation centers in the Kanto and Nagoya regions), conducting tool steel processing.
