Tokyo Steel announced plans to modify its hot-dip galvanized coil line at the Okayama Works in Kurashiki City, transforming it into a dual-purpose line that also manufactures cold-rolled coils.

This 10-billion-yen investment enables the company to produce and sell annealed cold-rolled steel sheets. The factory projects a combined annual output of 250,000 tons for both coil types.

The reconstruction requires a three-month shutdown of the galvanizing line from December 2026 to February 2027. Tokyo Steel has already begun notifying clients and intends to build up inventory beforehand to prevent supply disruptions.

Trial runs will begin in March 2027, with commercial production scheduled for April 2027.