The Russian steel producer Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has announced that it has produced its first one first million metric tons of rolled steel products with polymer coating since the first coating line was commissioned at its coating shop.
MMK's coating shop is one of the most successful production units of the plant, focused on the output of downstream products with higher added value. In 2004, MMK commissioned its first polymer coating line, with an annual capacity of 200,000 mt. In July 2009, MMK commissioned its second polymer coating line, also with a 200,000 mt annual capacity, comprising hot and cold laminators and an option for an embossing roll and a tension leveler. The commissioning of its second polymer coating line allowed MMK to step up its production of high quality color coated sheets to 400,000 mt per year, and to increase the share of its value-added products. The products are mainly supplied to the construction industry, which in general consumes about 60 percent of the output of these products.
In 2009, MMK increased its output of color coated steel to 207,000 mt from 157,000 mt produced in 2008.