Interpipe to invest in capacity expansion

The Ukrainian pipe producer Interpipe has announced an investment program worth $760 million directed at expanding its production capacities during the 2007-2009 period.

Under the framework of its new investment program, Interpipe is planning to increase its seamless pipe production by 23 percent to 1.4 million metric tons by 2009, to be followed by a further increase of 20 percent to 1.68 million metric tons by 2011. In addition, the company is planning to boost its welded pipes production capacity by 15 percent to 550,000 metric tons by 2009, and by a further 24 percent to 680,000 metric tons by 2011.

Furthermore, in accordance with its announced investment program, Interpipe is to construct a new steel smelting facility in the Ukrainian Dnepropetrovsk region, with a planned annual production capacity of 1.32 million metric tons.