Stahlwerk Thüringen maintains output in 2019

German sections mill Stahlwerk Thüringen kept output steady in 2019 and plans to continue to invest up to €15 million ($17m) in the current year in both maintenance and upgrading equipment.

2019 internal expenditure included a new crane in the scrap yard, a renewal of the high voltage power feed at the electric arc furnace and a new rolling stand, Kallanish learns from the company. Despite a slackening economy, production was nearly on par with 2018, slipping back by only 15,000 tonnes to 791,000t. While 2018 was “… highly satisfactory,” 2019 also proved to be a “… good year” but remained slightly behind expectations, according to the management.

The mill’s order books are well filled, the management says, but notes that customers have become more demanding regarding different sizes of sections, which requires additional conversion time in the rolling mill.  The mill has also lost attractive customers among rig and pant builders for the oil industry in South America due to international trade barriers. On the other hand, it has increased sales to the USA, where last year it was the only candidate – together with a Swiss partner – that was licensed to supply railway sleepers.

Stahlwerk Thüringen is located in Unterwellenborn in the eastern German state of Thuringia. It had previously been owned by Arcelor and Gallardo before taken over by Brazil’s CSN eight years ago.