Italian stainless steel producer Acciai Speciali Terni (AST) plans to suspend production temporarily from July 19 to August 23, according to local media reports. Due to high energy costs, weak sales and lower orders and prices, the given period has been extended from the traditional summer shutdown that runs from August 7 to August 20.
The company will implement maintenance works during the given period and up to a maximum of 2,210 employees will be subject to temporary layoffs.