AST resumes production in Italy

Italian stainless steelmaker, Acciai Speciali Terni (AST), is restarting production after having received authorisation to do so from local authorities. This follows the stoppage linked to the coronavirus emergency in the country and workers’ strikes to force the shutdown.

Ceo Massimiliano Burelli requested the authorisation to resume work to be able to produce and ship outstanding orders, a member of the mill’s trade union tells Kallanish. He adds that production will be heavily reduced compared to usual levels due to a collapse in orders. The unions have warned authorities in a letter that reopening the mill may represent a danger to the health of the workers and have asked that for a rigid control of safety measures to be implemented.

Meanwhile other stainless steelmakers remain closed in Italy together with distributors and re-rollers, Kallanish notes.