In a statement, TMS said the agreement, which takes effect 1 January, gives it the exclusive right to distribute Nippon electrodes. 

“We are honored to be partnering with Nippon Carbon as their exclusive distributor of graphite electrodes in North America,” said David Aronson, TMS president and chief operating officer, raw materials and optimization group. 

“Nippon Carbon is a company that shares our core values of safety, protecting and preserving the environment, and providing outstanding customer service.”

Aronson said the agreement arises from an effort to expand operations and provide a broader variety of industrial and environmental services to a range of industrial customers. 

“Securing this partnership provides the opportunity for the company to continue to demonstrate its experience, leadership and commitment to its customers in a new market, and to drive future growth of our business,” he said.