Mitsubishi Steel to Consolidate Steel Grades for Better Productivity

Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. tries to improve the competitiveness at Muroran plant by improving the efficiency of the operation. The firm tries to consolidate the steel grades for better productivity after the grades decreased to a third of fiscal 2000 level when the user of automakers seek fewer steel grades to share the lower production cost. The firm also renews process controlling system for continuous caster, rolling mill and finishing mill in the fiscal year ending March 2009. With the new system, the plant could improve the productivity including better yield and production cost. The firm tries to increase the production marginally by improving productivity when the firm cannot increase the steel source procurement form Nippon Steel’s Muroran works and Hokkai Iron & Coke Corporation, which is joint venture with Nippon Steel. With the better productivity, Mitsubishi Steel tries to increase the output level in order to meet strong demand from construction machinery and automotive makers. The firm also tries to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. The firm will reduce specific consumption of raw materials and energy by renewing controlling equipment of reheat furnace.