Outokumpu to Expand Ferrite Stainless Output by 40%

CEO Juha Rantanen of Outokumpu said on Sunday the firm expands ferrite stainless output capacity by around 40% from current 60,000 tonnes per year at the main plant of Tornio in Finland. He said the firm decided to build service center in India while the firm considers potential Indian cold rolling operation deciding by end of June. The firm tries to meet users’ needs through the flexible production and supply system. He said to a reporter of Japan Metal Bulletin at Paris hotel where International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) holds annual conference, ISSF-12. He declined comment on report for Finish government’s intention to sell 31.3% interest in Outokumpu. The firm tries to expand production of high quality ultra-clean ferritic stainless steel products through expansion at Tornio to meet growing demand as decided in January. The firm renews no.2 annealing and pickling line at Tornio expanding the finished products output by around 10% to 1.3 million tonnes by 2010. He said the firm tries to supply the products at near the users’ sites. The firm decided to invest 335 million euros in facilities in Italia, United Kingdom and Germany. The firm has top share of 50% in world dual phase stainless products market. He said the firm tries to become no.1 stainless company in customer satisfaction, not in volume by expanding service center capacity in Poland, France and Italia along with expansion of ferritic stainless.