MMK’S Turkish plant launches hot rolling complex
MMK Metalurji, part of MMK Group, has resumed operation of its hot rolling production complex. The plant was forced to suspend operations for several months due to the earthquakes in southeast Turkey and unfavourable economic conditions.
The plant's specialists launched an electric steelmaking shop with a casting and rolling module at the Dörtyol production site on March 31 and produced the first 3 000 tonnes of hot-rolled coil. The shop combines an electric arc furnace and a hot-rolling mill, and has a production capacity of more than 2 million tonnes per year. The plant's products will go towards rebuilding the areas affected by the devastating earthquakes, including in the province of Hatay, where the plant itself is located, which escaped serious damage. As a matter of priority, MMK metal products will be supplied to the local construction sector to create new housing and infrastructure, as well as to the local machine-building industry and to the production of equipment needed in the current conditions.
The resumption of the plant’s operations following the February 6 earthquake is proceeding according to a phased plan. In the first stage, the reversing mill and the continuous pickling unit were started up on February 20. At the same time, MMK Metalurji employees together with invited experts assessed the condition of the units, renovated individual parts and reinforced the structures of the plant's workshops.
According to MMK Metalurji Director Denis Kvasov, the company is actively involved in social issues while the plant prepares to go into full-scale production to support the country's efforts to overcome the consequences of the natural disaster. "We are currently providing safe housing in modular homes to several dozen of our employees and their families, whose homes were destroyed or critically damaged. The plant is providing all the necessary living amenities, including for employees' children. We strive not only to supply Turkish builders with our metal products, but also to contribute to people’s social well-being, save jobs and support employment," Denis Kvasov said.
Learn more: Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works
