According to Mr Vladimir Boyko CEO of Ukrainian steel producer Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol at his meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Ms Yulia Tymoshenko in Mariupol, Ilyich has increased its capacity utilization level to 70% in November from 65% in the previous month.
Mr Boyko stated that "In October last year we registered the largest drop of up to 30%. Thus, compared to the same period last year, currently we have an increase of more than two times.”
He also informed that the reconstruction of the plant blast furnace No 5 is to be completed by December 15th to 20th this year, however, the furnace is not planned to be restarted for the time being. He said that “We have a difficult four months ahead: November, December, January and February. Therefore, we will decide this issue according as new orders are received”
As SteelOrbis previously reported, as a result of the reconstruction in question, the volume of the BF No 5 will increase from 2,300 cubic meters to 2,500 cubic meters with the producer again planning to achieve an output of 15,000 tonnes of pig iron per day. As of November 8 this year, the daily output of Ilyich blast furnace shop has amounted to 10,669 tonnes.
Mr Boyko said that in November this year the company would face difficulties with production due to insufficient orders and under use of capacities.
At the end of October of the 12 units at Ilyich sintering plant only six were operating, of its five blast furnaces four were operating and of its six open hearth furnaces only two were operating. Meanwhile, the plant flat rolling shop No 1700 was working at 70% capacity while its flat rolling shop No 3000 was operating at 25% capacity.