JFE Steel’s Crude Steel Capacity to Reach 5.3MT at East Japan Iron Works

Kazuo Omata, director of JFE Steel’s East Japan iron works, revealed at a press conference on Wednesday that crude steel output capacity at Keihin area of the works would reach 5.3 million tonnes per year in 2010 when the buildup construction completes. Current capacity is 5 million tonnes or less. Chiba area of the works has the capacity at about 4.3 million tonnes. Total capacity will increase to 9.6 million tonnes in 2010.

Mr. Omata explained East Japan iron works tries to gain profits steadily regardless of economic circumstances by development of innovative technology and high performance products. The works targets the most riskless and eco-friendly works in the world.

In Keihin are, construction works are scheduled to complete in spring 2010 for extention of no.1 continuous casting machine and introduction of additional degassing equipment. The works increases steel making capacity for high quality products.

Mr. Omata said crude steel production at East Japan iron works approached the level as high as 9 million tonnes per annum for October-November despite of 2 blast furnaces’ suspention in West Japan iron works. Chiba area almost returned into full production. Mr. Omata said Chiba area could keep full production for January-March while Keihin area’s operating rate may recover in responce to domestic demand conditions for construction machines or building constructions.