JFE Steel Corporation and JFE Bars & Shapes Corporation of Japan are planning to integrate their bar and wire rod businesses in April.

Currently, the JFE Steel Group has two separate bar and wire rod units – one at JFE Steel and the other at JFE Bars & Shapes (an electric steelmaking business). Integration, claims the company, ‘will strengthen sales in overseas markets including Asia and North America, where increased demand is envisioned for high-quality steel, mainly for automobiles and construction machinery’.

It is hoped that by integration, the JFE Group can raise its competitiveness with rival domestic and overseas producers.