Altos Hornos de México has closed 2010 with a total production of 3,690,495 tonnes of liquid steel, which historically represents the highest level of production, exceeding the mark of 3,677,062 tonnes produced in 1998.
This record production, in turn, has meant new annual marks in finished products, with 3,200,321 tonnes and a total delivery to domestic and international clients, of 3,246,388 tonnes of various steel products.
Even though prices of steel in 2010 remained below normal levels, a mild reactivation of the internal market and the intensive search for export options made it possible to place the entire volume of products on the market.
Mr Luis Zamudio CEO of AHMSA said that the new level of liquid steel is due, both to a greater efficiency in operational practices and to constant maintenance of equipment, in order to achieve its maximum performance.
In general terms, and in response to the specific demand of its clients, in 2010, AHMSA has focused on manufacturing finished products in flat steel directed to the construction, metal mechanic, automotive, home appliances industries, as well as to the petroleum industry.
Production consisted primarily of hot and cold rolled plate, tinplate, structural shapes and steel plate in coil and sheet. In the case of these last two products, Altos Hornos de México is the only manufacturer in the country that produces them.
Mr Zamudio emphasized that the good operational performance and the successful placement of the products on the market made it possible to maintain the flow necessary for the steady development of the Fénix Project.
He said that "The actions prescribed by the chairman of the board, in order to deal with the variations in the market have turned out to be successful, and this made it possible, not only to maintain the workforce, but also to hire over 6,000 temporary workers in 2010, that through ICA Fluor participated in the installation of the new equipment."
In this regard, he reported that the new electrical power substation is already in operation, and that construction of Blast Furnace 6 has been completed. This smelting unit is now in its trial period, and will begin production when maintenance on Blast Furnace 4 begins.
He added that "For 2011 we expect a slightly more favorable environment, due to the recovery of steel prices, driven by increases in prices of raw materials such as scrap, iron ore and coal. This is a situation that benefits AHMSA, due to the fact that AHMSA is a producer of its own raw materials and is therefore able to exercise greater control over its costs."
(Sourced from milenio.com)
