Brazilian steel producer Gerdau confirmed the start of operations, in 2024, of additional production capacity at its Ouro Branco plant, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.
The plant will increase its HRC production capacity by 250,000 mt per year, resulting from investments of BRL 640 million ($128 million), first announced in 2021.
According to the company, the new rolling line will include technological innovations, destined to produce HRC compatible with utilization in different sectors, such as agriculture machinery, trucks, tractors, oil and gas and renewable energy, such as solar panels and wind towers.
In addition to HRC and slabs, the Ouro Branco plant already produces heavy plates and billets.