BlueScope Steel to increase capacity of hot strip mill

BlueScope Steel to increase capacity of hot strip mill

Australian steel producer BlueScope Steel is reportedly planning to increase annual production capacity of its hot strip mill at Port Kembla SteelWorks with an investment of $100 million. The expansion plan includes establishment of a second walking beam reheat furnace, which will add an additional 400'000 tons of steel slab to be converted into hot rolled coils. The project is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2006/2007 fiscal year. BlueScope officials stated that the project will help BlueScope Steel's downstream steel coating and painting facilities in Asia to expand their capacities and help the company meet flat demand in Australian domestic market.