Global steel giant ArcelorMittal Poland has stated in a press release that the year 2019 was not easy for the steel industry due to the weakening of demand, global overcapacity and decreases in the number of orders. The company stated that, along with other steel producers in Europe, ArcelorMittal Poland was also impacted by the negative indicators in the global steel market. Although the Zdzieszowice coking plant “did very well”, reaching its goals for production and budget and completed all planned modernizations on time, the plant had to cut its production slightly in late 2019. Nevertheless, the company underlined that the production cut is temporary.
Commenting on the situation, Czesław Sikorski, member of the board, managing director for production coke and special projects at ArcelorMittal Poland, said, “Our coke is valued on European markets, but also in South Africa, and North and South America. However, we must carefully monitor the condition of the industry on the European market, because we make decisions about the possible increase or decrease of production dependent on it.”
Since the production cut is temporary, it will not impact the level of employment. Currently, more than 1,500 people work at the plant in Zdzieszowice, not including jobs generated in companies that carry out repairs or provide services.