Nippon Steel’s Kamaishi Works Restarts Wire Rod Production

Kamaishi works of Nippon Steel restarted wire rod production with stocked billet on 13 April. The works had stopped operation since Japan Earthquake and Tsunami emerged on 11 March. However, Kamaishi works is still unable to receive billet marine transported from Kimitsu works due to damages on Nippon Steel’s port facilities in Kamaishi. Nippon Steel continues alternate production at NS Bosen, Nippon Steel’s subsidiary and a wire rod maker, and other concerned suppliers. At the same time, Nippon Steel seeks the way to transport billet to Kamaishi works, eyeing utilization of alternate ports.

Kamaishi works had closed wire rod the production since the compartment was submerged by Tsunami. The works had continued confirmation of employee’s safety while retrieval activity for resumption of wire rod production and shipment since late March. Kamaishi works’ port equipment and electric power plant are under restoration.