In a statement, Kobe Steel said the joint-venture operation will install three additional wire drawing machines and two additional furnaces. The new equipment, which is to come on-line in the spring of 2020, will take its Chinese capacity to 5,500 metric tons monthly. 

Kobe Special Steel Wire Products makes cold heading steel wires for use as automotive fasteners. In addition to its four wire rod processing facilities in China, the joint venture has two facilities in Thailand, one in the United States and one in Mexico. 

“Looking to the future, Kobe Steel will continue to develop its supply network for high-quality special steel wire rods centered on these four areas,” the company said in a statement.