ArcelorMittal resumes Spain-based ACB operations

ArcelorMittal tells Kallanish it is restarting operations at its Acería Compacta de Bizkaia (ACB) plant in Sestao, northern Spain. Activities are gradually resuming from 3 March with three working shifts. The company estimates production at the site will reach almost 45,000 tonnes/month of hot rolled, pickled and oiled coils by April.

ArcelorMittal halted ACB operations on 7 December to undertake one-month maintenance work and an upgrade of the second continuous casting line. In January, however, the steelmaker extended the shutdown period due to costlier energy in Spain.

ArcelorMittal meanwhile confirms its rail and heavy plate mill, as well as galvanizing steel lines, have been affected by the latest workers’ protests in Gijón. The company admits to having production losses, although did not reveal tonnages.

The workforce’s demands are mainly related to the impact of the decarbonisation plan of the Asturian plant and the relief contract for temporary personnel. Although there is an open working group with the unions at the national level, CC.OO. and CSI do not support the negotiations and maintain their 12-day protest plan in March.

Todor Kirkov Bulgaria