Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd has established Vallourec & Sumitomo Tubos do Brasil Ltda (VSB), a joint venture to manufacture seamless pipe in an integrated steel works in Brazil, with Vallourec Group. VSB plans to supply 300,000tns of seamless pipe a year to Sumitomo Metals to be sold under the Sumitomo Metals brand name. Sumitomo has decided to establish a local subsidiary in Brazil in order to conduct sales activities efficiently in the Americas. The new subsidiary, to be located in Rio de Janeiro, will have local staff in charge of quality assurance and delivery control as it sells products manufactured by VSB under Sumitomo Metals’ brand. This subsidiary will also be engaged in investment control and management of VSB.