The Niko Tube upgrade will include the replacement of existing lines with two lines of higher productivity to be equipped with state-of-the-art non-destructive testing (NDT) units.
The first line is scheduled to be put into operation in October 2008, while the second will be launched in December 2008.
Commenting on the announcement, Interpipe Director for Production and Investments Mr. Andrey Korotkov stated, "Interpipe has designated the increase of pipe production at the Interpipe Niko Tube mill as a key part of its overall business development program. Investment in new finishing lines is crucial to be able to deliver this upswing in productivity, and this investment will increase the production levels of finishing lines at the mill to 525,000 metric tons per year."
Interpipe has chosen Austrian company LINSINGER, German companies REIKA and FOERSTER, and Czech company PRESTAR, as the main equipment suppliers for the upgrading work.