Sonasid expands its production plants capacities

Sonasid expands its production plants capacities

Moroccan bar and wire rod producer St Nationale de Sidrurgie (Sonasid) is planning to improve its production plants at a cost of Dirhams 1.05 billion (approx. € 97 million). The company will invest Dirhams 900 million for the construction of electric arc furnace (EAF) and continuous caster in Jorf Lasfar. Furthermore, the construction of pre-heating furnace will be done by Italian plant maker Danieli. It is reported that the annual capacity of the EAF will be 640'000 tons. It is expected to commission the EAF in the second half of 2005. The EAF's production can also supply feed to the company's new 300'000 tons per year rolling mill which is also in Jorf Lasfar and the rest will feed the Nador mill's demands. Company officials stated that the company is also going to renovate its Nador mill. The mill's annual capacity will be raised to 600'000 tons from 480'000 tons in order to meet the Moroccan construction sector's needs. In addition, Sonasid is aiming to reach a total production of 300'000 tons per year at its bar and section mill in Jorf Lasfar. The foreseen production for this year is 210'000 tons but next year it can run at full capacity.