BNamericas quoted Mr José Luis Hernandez president of the Sutiss labor union as saying that workers at Venezuelan state steelmaker Sidor are aiming to restore production levels in 2012.

He said that "We're preparing the plant to ensure that the drop in production that the company had in 2010 and in 2011 can be reversed."

According to Mr Hernandez, by the end of 2012, production is expected to exceed plant capacity of 4.2 million tonnes and reach 4.3 million tonnes. He said that "We're putting together a tight schedule with the national government to make sure the equipment upgrades are going full steam ahead and that we have the parts to ensure the increase in production."

In November 2011, the president of steel industry association ACES Mr Omar Martinez told BNamericas that Sidor's production in 2011 will fall to its lowest level in recent years. He added that "Sidor is aiming to close 2011 with 2 million tonnes, but given the company's situation, I don't think it will reach that figure."

(Sourced from www.bnamericas.com)