Brazilian integrated steelmaker Gerdau will reportedly halt operations at its Charqueadas mill in the state of Rio Grande do Sul for 15 days, according to a media report by RBS.
In an emailed confirmation to SteelOrbis, Gerdau said the halt is due to the Covid-19 pandemic and reduced demand from sectors such as automotive. The company said it will grant wokers paid vacations during the period.
Charqueadas is an EAF mini-mill, producing bars, special profiles, wires, wire rod, and cold finished bars, with a 430,000/mt annual capacity.