JSW records 22 pc hike in steel production

Mumbai, Jul 3: JSW Steel Limited posted a 22 per cent growth on comparable basis in crude steel production in Q1 FY 2008-09 including production of Salem works for corresponding period.

The Company, in a release here today stated it had achieved 18 per cent growth in Rolled long products segments.Production of crude steel was 9,76,000 tonnes, HR coils and Plates was 12 per cent less at 592,000 tonnes, Rolled long products 92,000 tonnes. The production of HR Coils was lower mainly on account of shutdown of Hot Strip Mill for 17 days for modernisation during June. The Hot Strip Mill, after revamp, was re-commissioned on June 29 with enhanced capacity successfully upto 3.2 million tonnes per annum.

The Company has also commissioned first block of Coke Ovens (56 ovens) on June 27 out of four blocks. The balance three blocks would be commissioned over the next three months. On commissioning of these additional Coke Ovens, the self sufficiency of Coke will increase to 75 per cent in 2008-09 against 60 per cent last year.

The expansion project to increase the capacity to 6.8 MTPA at Vijayanagar works was progressing satisfactorily and was expected to be on stream by September 30.

UNI