In the face of the recent increase in demand mainly from its group companies in China and South East Asian countries, as well as the necessity of diversifying supply sources, the Sumitomo Electric Group has decided to establish a new manufacturing base of these products in Rayong Province, Thailand. STEC will become the largest manufacturing plant for copper wire rods and drawn wires in the South East Asian region. With the enhanced manufacturing capability, the Sumitomo Electric Group will continue to respond to increasing demand from the group companies around the world, and also aggressively market these products to the customers outside of the Group.