It is reported that Eramet's smelter in Sauda is increasing its production of manganese alloys and is re hiring workers laid off earlier in the year, due to the global financial crisis. The reason is increased demand for steel.

As per report, one of the 2 furnaces, which has been running at 25% capacity, is now back at 100% capacity. The second one is still closed down.

It may be noted that the smelter, located near Stavanger, was hard hit by the financial crisis, when the demand for manganese dropped drastically at the end of 2008 and the 200 man staff has been working on a 50% schedule since Christmas but many have now been called back to full time.

The hope is that the Sauda smelter will be back to full production by the end of the year.

(Sourced from norwaypost.no)