Sumitomo Corporation, Metal One Corporation and Nippon Steel Corporation have come to an agreement to build up the capacity of Thailand-based investing company, Siam Tinplate ("STP").

In Thailand, under the government-initiated slogan, "Kitchen of the World," industrial concentration as a major stronghold of food can exports has been progressing, with the accompanying growth in tinplate demand now touching the 600,000-ton level, the highest of all ASEAN countries.

STP, since commencing operations in 1992, has steadily responded to the domestic demand for tinplate in this growing economy. However, now that Thai can-makers are showing a strong willingness to make capital investment in the shape of expanded capacity, particularly to increase the production of cans for fish, fruit, vegetables, and other foods, STP finds it necessary to respond to the requests for additional supplies of tinplate products.

It is firmly believed that STP's capacity build-up this time will enable STP to better respond to the increasingly sophisticated quality requirements of Thai can-makers and to timely deliveries, which will make a significant contribution to the development of the Thai food industry.

Outline of STP
Name:	Siam Tinplate Co., Ltd.
Location:	Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong
Capital:	800 million baht
Shareholders:	Japanese side 71.5% (Sumitomo 28.2%, Metal One 18.4%, Nippon Steel 15.6%, Nittetsu Shoji 7.0%, Tomiyasu 2.2%) Thai side 28.5%
Capital investment:	Approx. 1,400 million baht (Approx. ¥4,900 million)
Productive capacity:	Approx. 260,000 tons per year (existing line + new line)
Start of commercial operation:	July 2009 (target)