London-based silicon steel, silicon-based alloys and manganese-based specialty alloys producer Ferroglobe has plans to restart its 55 000 t/y silicon steel facility in Polokwane, in South Africa.
Sturdy market demand for silicon steel is the driving force behind Ferroglobe’s strategic plan to extend its capability of silicon steel by way of the restart of the Polokwane facility.
The corporate expects to start out manufacturing of the three-furnace operation in November, with preliminary manufacturing of about 1 150 t a month, regularly ramping as much as about 3 750 t a month by the tip of the second quarter of 2023.
The Polokwane facility supplies a lower-cost supply of silicon steel utilizing aggressive vitality charges, an environment friendly asset base and a strategic location that may serve clients in Europe, the US, the Center East and Asia.
As well as, the choice to restart the plant was contingent on Ferroglobe’s capacity to safe multiyear contracts with strategic clients, that are at present being finalised.
CEO Marco Levi says the corporate’s Polokwane facility is a key a part of its international asset footprint that allows Ferroglobe the flexibleness to serve clients effectively and successfully around the globe.
“[The] facility is strategically essential as we [enhance] our manufacturing geographically in response to the vitality crises in Europe.”
