Japan Major Steels to Expand Blast Furnace Capacity

Japanese major steel makers accelerate the expansion of blast furnace through the relining after fiscal 2006 ending March 2007. They operate 28 blast furnaces. The large furnace with more than 5,000 cubic meters of capacity increased from 3 at the end of fiscal 2000 to 7 at the end of fiscal 2005. They try to expand the capacity to increase the output along with better productivity and cost competitiveness. The major makers including Nippon Steel and JFE Steel increase the output to meet growing high grade steel demand at home and abroad improving competitiveness by making use of world top blast furnace operation technology.