October 07, 2008

Sutor Technology modifies HDG expansion plans

It is reported that China’s Sutor Technology Group operations will now begin on its new, redesigned zinc and aluminum HDG line in the third quarter of 2008.

Start up was originally planned for last month at the company’s mill at Changshu in Jiangsu Province in East China. But after further assessment of customer demand and operating costs, Sutor decided to include two galvanizing pots, instead of one, for improved flexibility, enhanced reliability and reduced down time.

Consequently the commissioning period was extended to enable the change to optimize the new galvanizing system, which will provide an extra 400,000 tonnes per year of capacity, taking the mill’s total HDG capacity to 600,000 tonnes per year.

The new system will allow Sutor to galvanize both zinc and aluminum coatings on HR as well as against current capacity of only zinc coating on CR substrate.

When the new HDG line nears completion, Sutor says it then plans to expand its annealing and degreasing capabilities to 300,000 tonnes per year with full production starting in Q2 next year.

Mr Lifang Chen president of Sutor Technology Group said “The expansions will further diversify our product portfolio, expand our market applications, improve our value proposition to our customers, mitigate our supply chain and quality sourcing risks, as well as expand our revenue base for the future.”