Steel is the world's most indispensable material today, and steelmakers need to constantly adapt to the evolving needs of the global market while supplying its growing demand.

Osaka-based Yodogawa Steel Works, established in 1935, has grown its business on a foundation of hot-dip zinc coated steel sheets and expanded and innovated through the years to remain at the leading edge of the steel industry.

It now produces a wide range of steel products using state-of-the-art techniques and applications such as pre-painted and galvalume steel sheets. Having solidified its position as a top manufacturer of surface-treated steel sheets, the company has also grown organically into the areas of rolls, building materials, exterior products and grating.

"Our high-quality steel sheets originated from steel processing techniques that we developed over decades," says Yodogawa Steel Works's president Takaaki Kawamoto. "We supply distinctive products to an extensive range of industries, with surface-treated steel sheet taking pride of place."

In China the company established a new subsidiary in Anhui, together with its Taiwan-based affiliate company Sheng Yu Steel, in October 2011. The new entity - Yodogawa-Shengyu (Hefei) High-Tech Steel - is currently installing its galvanizing and color coating lines.

The facility will inherit the knowhow of Yodogawa and Sheng Yu, the leading manufacturers of surface-treated steel sheets in Japan and Taiwan. Expected to begin operation between May and June in 2013, it will produce high-grade pre-coated metal with outstanding formability, design freedom and durability for manufacturers of electrical appliances, office equipment and building materials.

"Many of our customers are moving abroad; we need to as well," says Kawamoto. "And with the standard of living continuously increasing in China, our high-quality and environmentally friendly products will serve the country well."

Today, environmental protection is becoming a pressing issue worldwide, and Yodogawa was the first in its sector to successfully develop chromate-free steel sheets which do not contain hexavalent chromium, a contaminating substance.

The company's chromate-free steel sheets can be used not only for household appliances but also for exterior products, including roofing and walls, which must endure severe conditions.

In addition, the company's plants work on reducing the burden on the environment by saving energy, reducing emissions through more efficient facilities, using eco-friendly fuels and recycling waste.

"Our years of experience in steel processing and environmentally advanced technologies will be translated to the Chinese market through Yodogawa-Shengyu and its high-quality products," says Kawamoto. "Our technology and new facility will contribute to development and environmental protection in China."

www.yodoko.co.jp/english

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World Eye Reports provided the story