TOKYO--Kobe Steel, Ltd. plans capital investments of 110 billion yen in fiscal 2007, ending March 31, 2008, up 15% from the estimated 96 billion yen in fiscal 2006.

Most of the investments are in the Iron & Steel segment and the Aluminum and Copper segment to improve the manufacturing capabilities of "Only One"upper-end products that increase the competitiveness of the company. For the stable production of steel products, Kakogawa Works will complete the refurbishment of its No. 2 blast furnace, while Kobe Works will reline its blast furnace. In the Aluminum and Copper segment, work will continue at the Chofu Plant on the upgrade of the cold temper rolling mill and installation of a new plating line.

In addition to environment-related investments, other work includes modernizing and necessary repairs.