NLMK Kaluga, a subsidiary of Russian steelmaker NLMK Group and producer of long steel products for construction, has cast the first metric ton of steel as part of hot testing at its electric arc furnace (EAF) and rolling shops. In June, the plant will begin production of rebar and sections on an industrial scale and will start sales of finished goods.
NLMK Kaluga is located 90 km southwest of Moscow. The plant is designed to supply high-quality products to fill the deficit in long steel supply in central Russia, which accounts for over a third of long product consumption in the country. The new plant's annual steelmaking capacity is 1.5 million mt, while its rolling capacity amounts to 900,000 mt (with the possibility of an expansion to 1.5 million mt). Investments in the project totaled approximately RUB 38 billion ($1.2 billion).
The plant is equipped with the most advanced steelmaking and rolling equipment, supplied by Austria-based Siemens VAI and Italy-based SMS Meer S.p.A.. Its universal rolling mill allows for the production of rebar, angles and channels.