NLMK Group, Russian manufacturer of steel and one of the most efficient steel companies in the world, has signed a contract with SMS group for full time service of key process equipment at the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) Shops at Novolipetsk, its main production site in Lipetsk.
Photo courtesy of NLMK Group
The productivity of Lipetsk site BOF Shops will exceed 12.5Mt per year. This is the first time that the outsourcing of maintenance of steelmaking operations has been implemented at such a scale in Russia. The project will promote the implementation of the most advanced industrial technologies in Russia and the localisation of modern European operations to ensure the maintenance of steelmaking equipment. As part of a five-year contract, SMS group experts will ensure the maintenance and repair of all nine continuous casting machines and secondary metallurgy treatment equipment. For the duration of the contract, 274 NLMK workers that were responsible for the maintenance of steelmaking equipment will be taken on board by SMS group’s Russian subsidiary. SMS group will additionally bring in 34 highly qualified experts to implement structural changes to operational practice; supply managements; planning and coordination; and engineering.
