In a statement, the Kobe Steel said the joint venture with Baowu Aluminum Technology Co. Ltd. integrates its aluminum panels in Tianjin, China, with Baowu’s continuous heat treatment and finishing lines for aluminum panels.

“The joint venture company will manufacture and sell aluminum panels for automakers in China. As part of its CO2 reduction initiatives, the company will promote recycling of scrap generated by itself and its customers. As the demand for aluminum panels continues to rise in China, the company is committed to doing its part to reduce automotive weight and realize a decarbonized society,” Kobe Steel said in a statement. 

The deal is pending regulatory approval.