Sumitomo Corporation of Americas said Jan. 29 that it will establish a new office in Pittsburgh effective in April, expanding its U.S. footprint as manufacturers place greater emphasis on regional supply chains.
The company said the move comes as U.S. manufacturing activity increases and businesses seek to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly through “local production for local consumption” in steel products.
Demand for regionally integrated supply systems is growing across industries, including automotive, construction, energy, and infrastructure, said the Rosemont, Ill.-based company.
Pittsburgh has long been a central hub of the U.S. steel industry and remains a key market due to the concentration of steel manufacturers, processors and related industrial companies in the region, the company added in a statement.
Sumitomo said the new office will support its efforts to deepen collaboration with partners across the U.S. steel value chain and position the company for medium- to long-term growth in the U.S. market.
Additionally, it said the Pittsburgh location will complement the company’s existing U.S. offices and is intended to strengthen its business platform as an integrated trading company.
By expanding its network, Sumitomo said it aims to gain a broader view of the U.S. market and respond more effectively to the needs of customers and industries nationwide.