Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK) took part in the conference on the zinc and polymeric coatings production in 2008-2009. A report was made by MMK’s senior manager Alexei Koptsev, who spoke on the demand the rolled products with polymeric coatings are currently enjoying and the probable growth of this demand in the future. This is why MMK decided to focus on the production of coatings and heavy-duty steels for the Russian and foreign automobile industry. Their products would include low-carbon steels, BH-effect low-carbon steels, phosphorus-alloyed steels, TRIP-effect steels, and martensitic steels. At the moment, the enterprise is technologically capable of producing hot- and cold-rolled IF steels, BH-effect low-carbon steels, and phosphorus-alloyed steels for its customers. Besides, MMK is planning to put up a number of new production units in 2008-2009 that will enable the company to produce a wider range of special steels and offer a greater variety of shapes and sizes. In 2010, three more units will be put up, including a hot- and cold-rolled goods production facility with the capacity of 2 million tons a year for making heavy-duty steels that the booming car industry will definitely need in the near future. The facility is being developed by the German SMS Demag.

What is more, another production facility will be put up in Saint Petersburg in order to provide the car makers with spare parts and ready-made die stampings. MMK is hoping to improve the quality of its metal products and enlarge its assortment and thus achieve its major strategic goal, that is, to stay ever-competitive on the rolled metal market.