Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) operated its coated steel facilities at maximum capacity utilization in 2017. As a result, MMK once again confirmed its status as the leading producer of this product in Russia.
This was highlighted by Senior Manager of Coated Metal Sales Group at PJSC MMK Alexey Oleynik during his speech at the 13th International Conference “Galvanized and painted steel – production and consumption trends”.
Oleynik said that in 2017 PJSC MMK’s shipments of galvanized steel to the Russian market amounted to 980,000 tons, while polymer-coated steel sales reached 310,000 tons. MMK’s share in apparent consumption of galvanized steel and polymer-coated steel in Russia amounted to 31% and 15%, respectively.
MMK increased sales to export markets and the CIS countries. In particular, export sales of galvanized steel (excl. to the CIS countries) amounted to 25,000 tons in 2017 (compared to 12,000 tons in 2016). Sales of galvanized steel to the CIS countries grew by 10,000 tons to 127,000 tons, respective sales of polymer-coated steel reached 53,000 tons (up by 10,000 tons).
Thus, over the course of 2017 PJSC worked at 100% capacity utilization rate securing leading positions in the coated steel market.
Major developments in the Russian coated steel market in 2017 included the commissioning of a new hot-dip galvanizing unit with an annual capacity of 360,000 tons built at the site of rolling mill No. 11; and the merger of Lysvensky metallurgical plant into MMK Group. In order to maintain 100% capacity utilization in 2018, MMK will continue adopting new products. Marking for the polymer-coated steel will be fully in line with the updated requirements of GOST 34180 standard.
Lysvensky metallurgical plant continues to increase sales of a new Steel Art-type steel with multi-layer polymer coating. It is also adopting new types of passivation materials to make electro-galvanized steel more corrosion resistant. Polymer-coated steel has reached SТО 376 ММК quality standard. Consistent adoption of a wide range of high-quality metal products helps MMK fully satisfy customers’ needs and strengthen its positions in the coated steel market. (MMK/Ukrainian metal)