JFE’s West Japan Works Targets 21.5Mt of Raw Steel Output in F2007

JFE Steel’ West Japan works expects the raw steel output will be 21.5 million tonnes in fiscal 2007 starting April 2007 compared with estimated 20.5 million tonnes in fiscal 2006 and 18.66 million tonnes in fiscal 2005. The works tries to clear the target of 21.5 million tonnes under 3-year plan to fiscal 2008 a year ahead to meet growing demand for high valued steel from manufacturers. The output will increase by 10% to 20.5 million tonnes including 9.94 million tonnes in the first half and 10.5 million tonnes in second half for fiscal 2006 from fiscal 2005.

The works is the world largest steel works with 7 blast furnaces including 4 at Fukuyama area and 3 at Kurashiki area. The raw steel output decreased to 18.66 million tonnes in fiscal 2005 due to output reduction for export compared with 19.39 million tonnes in fiscal 2004 and 19.11 million tonnes in fiscal 2003.

JFE Steel targets 30 million tonnes of raw steel output for the parent firm in fiscal 2008 under the 3-year plan. The West Japan works plans to produce 21.5 million tonnes including 11.5 million tonnes at Fukuyama and 10 million tonnes at Kurashiki. The works tries to supply around 70% of 3 million tonnes of total output increase for high valued steel products.

West Japan works increases the output level to annualized 21 million tonnes in the second half of fiscal 2006. The works expects the output will increase to 21.5 million tonnes in fiscal 2007 by increasing the capacity utilization of blast furnaces and increasing ferrous scrap utilization to the target level for the 3-year plan.

The East Japan works also expects the output will increase by 5.7% to 8.5 million tonnes in fiscal 2006 from fiscal 2005 increasing the total output by 8.6% to 29 million tonnes. JFE Steel’s raw steel output could reach 30 million tonnes in fiscal 2007 a year ahead of the target.