The Avesta meltshop, a part of Outokumpu Stainless, has notched up a new production record. In a single day, a total of 28 charges were produced. This is a new Nordic record for a meltshop with scrap-based stainless steel production.

Each charge contains around 90 tons of stainless steel. The 2004 target for the Avesta Works is to produce 525 000 tons. The production rate achieved with this new record corresponds to an annual rate of approximately 850 000 tons of stainless steel.

"It's important for the Avesta Works as a whole that the people working at the meltshop demonstrate that we are capable of reaching such high targets. The record confirms that we can maintain a high rate of production when producing standard grade steel and, above all, that our staff are extremely committed to their work. Maintaining a high production rate for standard grade steels also improves the scope for producing more special grade steels. This, in turn, increases our chances of capturing market share and improving returns," comments a very pleased Ing-Marie Andersson Drugge, manager for the meltshop.

The meltshop's record-breaking attempt began at 6.01 a.m. on Thursday. The aim was to produce 26 charges during a 24-hour period (Thursday 25/3, 6.01 a.m. to Friday 26/3, 6.00 a.m.) without lowering any standards in terms of safety, steel weight or quality. All employees at the meltshop were involved in the preparations, which have been ongoing since the beginning of March.

The record also means that the Avesta Works won the competition announced by Badische Stahl. Badische Stahl is a German scrap-based carbon steel works which issued a challenge to stainless steel manufacturers in the Nordic region, and promised that the first to produce at least 26 charges in a day would be awarded a silver trophy. As Nordic champions in stainless steel production, the Avesta Works can now claim its prize.

"The purpose of the record attempt was to come up with new ideas for ways of reaching the 525 000-ton target, as this is our goal for 2004. Winning the trophy was a great experience, but seen in a broader perspective is of secondary importance," says Ing-Marie Andersson Drugge.

For further information, please contact:
Ing-Marie Andersson Drugge, General Manager, Melt shop, Avesta Works,
phone: +46 (0)226 816 50 or cell phone +46 (0)73 047 7795.