Nippon Steel Idles Troubled Oita Plate Mill

Nippon Steel suspended operation at plate rolling mill in Oita works to check the mill after the electrical system trouble on July 17. The firm could not identify the cause as of July 27 while the firm notified the dealers that the mill would be suspended for a while. The firm decided to shift the plate production from Oita to Kimitsu and Nagoya works. The firm also studies potential plate supply support request to alliance partners.

Nippon Steel has 3 plate rolling mills in Oita, Kimitsu and Nagoya works. Oita works has produced 220,000-230,000 tonnes of plate per month mainly for shipbuilding use.

Nippon Steel restarted plate mill in Kimitsu works on July 13 after 42 days revamping. The firm’s plate supply would be tight during the suspension of Oita mill.

The firm tries to keep commitment for the plate buyers while the firm tries to realize early production resume at Oita mil. The firm sought cooperation and understanding to the dealers and buyers.