ArcelorMittal reveals plans for Liege

The world's biggest steelmaker ArcelorMittal has made public its plans regarding its Belgium-based Liege steelworks' upstream and downstream facilities.
 
Due to a stronger demand for steel products than anticipated in 2003, ArcelorMittal has decided to reverse its decision to close the Liege steel producing facility and  to invest in the rebuilding of this integrated steel plant. The mill will require investments in the refiring of the Seraing blast furnace and in bringing the mill's production costs in line with the level of ArcelorMittal's other operations in Europe.   
 
As regards its downstream facilities, ArcelorMittal intends to focus on Liege's high return and high technology activities such as Arceo. In addition, the company's management pointed out the need to reduce packaging steel exports and the production of packaging steel at Liege.