Japan: Kobe Steel to expand copper output by 10% by FY’27

Kobe Steel will boost its copper product production capacity by about 10% at its Nagafu Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The company plans to invest over JPY 3 billion, adding an annealing furnace, modifying cold rolling facilities, and installing a new tin plating line. Mass production is set to start in early FY’27, driven by rising demand in semiconductors, automotive terminals, and electronic materials.