Mexican integrated steelmaker Altos Hornos de Mexico (AHMSA) announced late this week it will shut down its No. 6 blast furnace.
The company said the decision was due to weak steel demand. AHMSA labeled the move as a “technical decision.” The company will concentrate steel production at its No. 5 blast furnace, as well at its EAF.
AHMSA did not provide a timeline for resuming operations at the No. 6 blast furnace, adding the equipment would resume as soon as there is enough steel demand to do so. Most of its workforce will work in maintenance-related roles at its No. 6 blast furnace, while some other workers will provisionally work in other units, the company said.