MEDIA RELEASE

 

COLUMBUS STAINLESS EXPANDS COLD ROLLING CAPACITY

 

29 JANUARY 2007

 

 

Columbus Stainless has announced today the further expansion of its cold rolling capacity.

 

A contract was signed with Sojitz Corporation, Japan, for the installation of a 1 250mm wide cold rolling mill.  The mill is specified for thin gauge bright anneal products to fully utilize currently available bright annealing capacity and supply the needs of customers both in South Africa and globally.

 

This second cold rolling expansion, since becoming part of the Acerinox Group in 2002, will increase the Middelburg plant cold rolling capacity to 500 000 tons annually.  At the same time, the steelmaking capacity will be increased to 1 million tons per annum without further major investments required.  The new mill is expected to commence operation at the end of 2008 and reflects Acerinox’ commitment to the ongoing investment programme at its South African operation.

 

 

Issued by :                                Graeme Coetzee

                                                Meropa Communications

                                                Tel : 011 – 772 1000

 

On behalf of :                            Jenny Smit

                                                Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd

                                                Mobile : 082 804 0046