UACJ group's new integrated factory in Thailand to commence operation in January

UACJ Group, a comprehensive aluminum manufacturer offering a steady supply of high-quality aluminum material to a wide variety of industries is setting up a new integrated factory in Thailand that will start to operate in January, catering to the growing Southeast Asian demand for aluminium products. The facility will undertake all processes related to rolled sheet production, from melting to casting, rolling and finishing, making it the first such factory established overseas by a Japanese company.

A great number of beverage-can manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, and other industries have expanded into Southeast Asia, especially Thailand.

With its high quality and technology, the UACJ Group says it can offer these companies a significant competitive advantage. Initially, the new Thai factory will supply products such as can-end and automotive heat-exchanger materials.

Work on the new factory began in March last year. Construction and installation is now in the final stage for the primary line, which will handle processes from cold rolling to finishing.

Preparations for operation of this line are also moving forward smoothly, towards a scheduled start date in January.

This includes training in Japan of the local staff who will be directly responsible for carrying out the work.

Construction on the secondary line has also been under way since February. This line is scheduled to handle processes ranging from casting to hot rolling when it begins operation in March 2015.

The facility is expected to have a total production capacity of up to 180,000 tonnes per year. UACJ says this volume will give it a clear edge in cost over its competitors, including Chinese and Korean manufacturers that have grown in market strength in recent years.

The new factory in Thailand will maintain a core position in the UACJ Group's global network.