Polish Huta Czestochowa plans to increase production
According to latest market reports, Polish steel producer Huta Czestochowa is seriously considering to increase production capacity of its EAF and plate mill, in spite of the continuing working capital shortage, where the melting shop's capacity is 2'000 tons per day and plate mill's capacity is 2'500 tons per day. With this capacity increase company is aiming to meet both demand of around 15'000 tons per month from Poland's shipyards located in Gdynia and Szczecin and demand from its certain customers. In case, the slab market shows signs of softening it will help the company to increase its slab purchases. Besides, based on the payment terms for its sales, Zloty 50-70 million (€12-16 million) or more will be needed for the company's short-term working capital. It is also reported that regarding the company's privatisation LNM Holdings appears to be the favorite together with Steel Capital, Ispat Industries and Severstal. It is speculated that US Steel might be interested as well, unless it wins the tender held for PHS's privatisation.