Japanese steelmaker Kobe Steel has announced that its Mexican joint venture (JV) Kobelco CH Wire Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. (KCHM) has started the production of automotive steel wire at its plant in the Santa Fe Industrial Park in Silao in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico.
Established in 2014 by Kobe Steel together with Japan-based Shinsho Corporation, Metal One Corporation and Osaka Seiko Ltd, Mexico-based Grupo Simec and S.A.B. de C.V and US-based O&K American Corporation, KCHM processes steel wire rod into cold heading (CH) steel wire, which is used to make automotive fasteners (nuts and bolts) and cold-forging products for sale to automotive parts manufacturers in Mexico. By producing in an area of rising demand, KCHM will be able to provide attentive and quick delivery of CH wire of outstanding surface quality and contribute to expanding the business of its customers.
KCHM’s president Mitsufumi Konishi stated that, by supplying products highly regarded by customers, the company hopes to contribute to the development of Silao, Guanajuato and Mexico.