AMI Group, headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, has sold 50% of AMI Automation, an industrial automation company, to Showa Denko (SDK), effective on February 5th, 2021.

Showa Denko Carbon Division (SDK) is the world’s largest supplier of ultra-high-powered EAF graphite electrodes, with over 100 years of experience and multiple production facilities strategically situated across the globe. SDK belongs to the Showa Denko Group. With around 33,800 employees worldwide, Showa Denko Group has multiple business units, including in addition to the graphite electrode business, petrochemicals, chemicals, electronics, inorganics and aluminum.

AMI Automation is a premier international automation and control solutions company providing innovative products and solutions for the automation of industrial processes. AMI’s Meltshop Solutions division is a recognized innovator and world leader, with over 30 years dedicated to EAF optimization, using the latest automation and control technologies to make EAFs operate more efficiently. By applying AMI’s automation and control technologies to SDK’s wide range of business and production processes, including the graphite electrode business, this joint venture will benefit both companies and expand their global presence.

SDK has contributed to improve EAF steelmaking quality and efficiency by providing customized high quality graphite electrodes to customers around the world. In collaboration with AMI´s Meltshop Solutions division’s EAF optimization services, it will be possible to improve graphite electrode performance and provide more solution-based services that improve EAF steelmaking efficiency, energy conservation, and greenhouse gas reduction. In addition, by utilizing AMI’s Industrial Systems division’s capabilities into their production process, SDK expects more efficient graphite electrode production. SDK’s goal is to provide sustainable value to customers’ business and strengthen its position as a global leader in the graphite electrode industry.

AMI‘s CEO Octavio Rodriguez said: “With this new JV, our shared core values and commitment to enhance the customer experience, will allow AMI to continue to develop the capabilities of our technical team and strengthen our position as an innovator and leader in the automation and optimization of industrial applications”.

The Showa Denko Group’s Vision is to make itself a “KOSEIHA Company” (a group of KOSEIHA Businesses that can maintain profitability and stability at high levels over a long period). The graphite electrode business is one of such KOSEIHA Businesses. SDK will continue taking various measures to achieve “Value in Use No. 1” for customers, to improve the customer experience, and to further increase competitiveness and profitability.