OREANDA-NEWS. The Japanese automotive industry is developing on a world scale, earning global recognition for its high quality. Notably, in the Chubu region, automobiles account for about 40% of all industrial goods manufactured. Sumitomo Corporation supplies steel sheets to vehicle and vehicle parts manufacturers in the region.

Steel sheets measuring about 0.3 to 10 millimeters in thickness are used for vehicle exteriors and interiors, home appliances, construction materials, and so on. In our efforts to promote sales of steel sheets, we operate a number of steel service centers (SSCs) around the globe to process the sheets into sizes desired by customers, while striving to improve the services we offer to them.

Automotive manufacturers rigorously adhere to the Just-in-Time (kanban) system, which ensures that necessary materials are delivered at the required place and time, and in the exact amount needed. In order to efficiently comply with the Just-in-Time system as a supplier, Sumitomo Corporation adopts its own kanban system in addition to strictly managing its processing activities and quality control. Specifically, under the system, we exchange information with steel manufacturers and SSCs on when, where, and how much of a product needs to be transported. By leveraging this system, the Chubu region SSCs in which Sumitomo Corporation has a stake are always ready to deliver steel sheets to customers when needed, and in the size and amount required.

What makes us unique is the fact that we operate SSCs around the world that are comparable to Chubu SSCs both in terms of tasks performed and delivery framework. We are capable of supplying the required amount of products of an equal standard at the time needed from any given SSC around the globe, which has helped us earn trust from customers.