JFE Steel’s Plate Rolling Mill Stops Operation by Housing Accident

JFE Steel stopped operation of a plate rolling mill in Kurashiki area of West Japan iron works on January 14. The mill housing had a crack accident. JFE Steel is repairing the line. The rolling mill produces steel plate for the size with 4.5-360 millimeters of thickness and 1,000-5,350 millimeters of width at 160,000-170,000 tonnes per month. The operation is expected to restart in early-mid March. The output reduction would total approximately 250,000 tonnes for one and a half months. Fukuyama area of West Japan iron works and Keihin area of East Japan iron works implement alternate production.

JFE Steel’s 3 plate rolling mills produce steel plate at total 500,000 tonnes per month in Kurashiki, Fukuyama and Keihin areas. The firm postpones spot and periodic repair in Fukuyama and Keihin areas and makes up for production in Kurashiki area.

Overseas steel makers show interests in the trouble of roll mill housing. Chubu Steel Plate renewed housing of the roughing rolling mill in 2010. Nippon Steel also renewed housing of the roughing rolling mill in Kimitsu iron works in 3Q 2011. These plate mill housings were introduced several ten years ago. Other Japanese steel makers seem to have same potential risks.