Mr Gilberto Audelino Correa investment director of Brazilian specialty steelmaker Acesita plans to invest 230million reais ($105 million) during 2006. Acesita plans to invest 95 million reais to expand silicon based products output capacity from 188,000 tonnes per year to 300,000 tonnes per year and 35 million reais for distribution network.

Mr Correa said that Acesita is in final talks to acquire a steel service center in São Paulo state's Campinas city.