ArcelorMittal has confirmed that it is preparing a series of stoppages at different production units in Spain as lower demand continues to affect some order books. The company implemented a number of stoppages in 2019 and is expected to continue making use of temporary layoffs also in the first part of 2020.
A spokesperson from the mill says at that there are no details about which operation will be stopped and when. Union sources note that the wire rod line in the north of Spain is expected to be halted. Other lines affected should include flats rolling units, at which output has already been reduced during the second part of 2019.
Despite the need to reduce output, the company has not yet cancelled its idea of restarting blast furnace B in Gijon, which has been on stop since October. A spokesperson from the company tells Kallanish that a firm date for the relaunch has not yet been confirmed but local sources say that operations could start as soon as at the end of this week.
