In a statement, Japan's Kobe Steel Ltd. said the addition of a second unit boosts production to about 4,900 metric tons per month, a 40% increase. The project represents a US$11.4 million investment. 

The plant, which entered full production in 2009, is meant to supply Japanese-affiliated automotive parts manufacturers in China with cold-heading quality wire. The wire is used to make automotive bolts, nuts and other products.

Kobe Steel provides all of the special steel wire rod processed by the plant.