Hitachi Metals accuses Chinese companies of stealing trade 0secrets

Almaty. September 21. Silkroadnews – Hitachi Metals accuses Chinese companies of stealing trade secrets, “The Japan Times” reported.
“Hitachi Metals Ltd. filed a complaint with a U.S. trade commission, claiming Chinese manufacturers stole secret processes for making amorphous metal ribbon that’s lighter and stronger than traditional steel,” the publication reads.
Hitachi Metals suggested that its former employee shared the company’s industrial processes secrets with China’s Advanced Technology & Materials Co., thus, allowing Advanced Technology & Materials Co. and related companies to ramp up the production of metal. Hitachi Metals and its division Metglas filed a complaint asking to suspend the import of all China-made versions of the product on the border with the US.
It is reported that amorphous metal ribbons in case are an alloy with glass qualities. Because it has high strength and improved magnetic properties, it can be used in medical devices instead of titanium, as well as to create stealth vehicles and highly efficient transformers.
“To protect our advanced technologies as a source of global competitiveness for Hitachi Metals, we will continue to take decisive measures actions against unfair competition in the future,” report quoted statement by the Tokyo company.
According to the publication, the production of amorphous metal ribbon in China demonstrated an exponential growth in production capacity, which, Hitachi Metals believes, could be a result of the trade secrets stolen.
The commission, as reported, will consider the complaint and within a month decide whether to proceed with the investigation on the filed claim. Usually such investigations take 15-18 months.