2009-10-27

Acesco set to start-up new HDG line in January

Colombian cold rolled and hot-dip galvanized coil producer Acerías de Colombia (Acesco) expects to commission its new 85,000 tpy HDG line in January, and is already targeting a total HDG capacity of 250,000 tpy. The line will be the company`s second, with the first able to produce up to 140,000 tpy, president Carlos Arturo Zuluaga told MB on the sidelines of Ilafa`s 50th Latin American annual steel conference in Quito, Ecuador. Acesco has also a cold rolled coil line with installed capability of 250,000 tpy.

"At the moment, output is strong, following a demand recovery which started a few months ago after the world economic crisis that affected the Colombian market in late 2008," Zuluaga said. Two months ago, Acesco started a 35,000 tpy prepainting line at its works reflecting optimism in the local market. The line was ready late last year, but the company delayed the start-up until market conditions improved, said Zuluaga.

Acesco still imports hot rolled coil from Brazil`s ArcelorMittal Tubarão and Japan`s Nippon Steel, but it also receently started sourcing hot rolled coil from Japan`s JFE. "We are also negotiating to buy HRC from Usiminas," the executive said. Purchases of hot rolled coil from Venezuela`s state-owned steelmaker Sidor have decreased this year following technical and political problems at the mill. Acesco also controls two plants in Costa Rica: HDG maker Galvatica and structural and welded pipes producer Tubotico, each operating at close to their respective 200,000 tpy capacities, Zuluaga added.

Publication: Metal Bulletin
Provider: Metal Bulletin com
October 27, 2009

Blogroll