Outokumpu has announced its intention to reduce the capacity at its melt-shop in Sheffield (SMACC) in the UK. Due to the very weak demand for stainless steel in recent months Outokumpu is cutting production and adjusting its operations in the difficult market situation. The proposal would result in the reduction of production capacity to some 200,000tns annually and in some 110 job losses. This is in addition to the approximately 50 job losses at the melt-shop that were announced earlier in February. At the moment the melt-shop has an annual operational production capacity of some 350,000tns. The Sheffield melt-shop produces stainless steel slabs, billets and blooms for the production of flat and long products within the Outokumpu Group and also for direct sale to customers all around the world. Local consultation will start on 27 April 2009 with the workforce and the appropriate trade unions. Outokumpu will consider all reasonable practicable measures to alleviate the personal hardship caused by this proposal.
