Arab Steel reported that Saudi Arabia’s South Steel Company has started hot trials of a 500,000 tonne 16 stand rebar mill at its new plant. The company has already started buying semis to cover production requirements until its own electric steelmaking complex is launched. The commissioning of the steelmaking shop is scheduled for July.

The equipment comprising 140 tonne EAF, a 140 tonne ladle furnace and a five strand billet conticaster is still being adjusted. All steelmaking facilities were supplied by SMS Concast in Switzerland while a rolling mill by SMS Meer in Italy.

Further plans of Solb include expansion of its long product capacity to 1 MT by end 2013. The producer has already signed a contract with SMS Meer for supply of a second rolling mill.

Source – Arab Steel

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