Republic
25.09.2006
The Belarusian Metallurgical Works /BMZ/ will have invested USD 238,4 million in retooling its production facilities this year, BelTA has learnt at the company.
In particular, in H2, 2006 a new bead wire production unit will be put in operation. Apart from that, BMZ has been upgrading production of round billets to save USD 20 per each ton. The company also launched production of 140x140mm casting blocks which will raise labor productivity and open new prospects for BMZ in the global market.
Now among the top priority of the manufacture is raising capacity of cord production facility. In the last four years cord production grew fourfold. Construction of pipe production facility is keeping pace. It is expected to be launched in July 2007.
In January-August 2006 BMZ grew production of steel by 11.3 per cent as against same time last year. Output of rolled metal went up by 1.7 per cent to 1 million 168 thousand tons, that of bead wire – by 19.2 per cent to 16,4 thousand tons. Production of other types of wire soared by 28.2 per cent to 60 thousand tons. BMZ made 58,1 thousand tons of metal cord (an increase of 7.9 per cent). On the whole, over the eight month 2006 the manufacture produced Br1 trillion 415,7 billion worth of goods, an increase of 9.4 per cent over the same time last year. Exports jumped by 17.3 per cent to reach USD 631,6 million.
The plant exports to about 60 countries. Although the prices for the Belarusian metal produce are higher than those for Russian product the demand for it is still high.
The BMZ current market value is estimated at USD 2 billion. Given the high brand value and highly qualified personnel the overall capitalization of the company might reach USD 5 billion.