Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has been named as a steel supplier for Ford cars produced in Russia. MMK is successfully completing the acceptance process for its steel plate with Ford Sollers Holding, Ford carmaker in Russia, and is increasing supplies of automotive sheet to the corporation.
Currently, two items of ultralow-carbon steel in various drawing categories used in the production of car body parts (including the front) for the Ford Focus have been fully accepted. High-duty ultralow-carbon steel for Ford Focus hoods is at the pilot batch approval stage. MMK also expects several items of ultralow-carbon steel for the production of Ford Kuga and Ford Explorer parts to be accepted. Furthermore, the company aims to produce and supply the car manufacturer with high-density micro-alloyed and dual-phase steel both with galvanised coating and as a cold-rolled uncoated product.
Photo courtesy of MMK
MMK and Ford Sollers Holding have been co-operating on automotive sheet production localisation since 2010. This process involves phase-by-phase metal acceptance. During the first phase, the carmaker receives special qualification sheets for the metal products it plans to purchase from MMK. Following approval, Ford then places an order for a small pilot batch, usually of less than 5t. If the reviews are positive, Ford places an order for a bigger pilot batch. If approved, the parties agree on commercial supplies of accepted metal.
