OREANDA-NEWS. On June 04, 2008 Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announced the commissioning of a new construction reinforcement production line at its Mechel Targoviste subsidiary in Targoviste, Romania. The project follows the program of Mechel’s service and sales subsidiary, Mechel Service OOO, aimed at entering the market of custom made construction reinforcement, reported the press-centre of Mechel.

Mechel has continued to strengthen its positions in the Eastern European steel market. In March 2008, Mechel Service OOO opened its branch, Mechel Service Europe OOO, in Romania, which provides Mechel’s metal product sales in this region. The new production line installed at Mechel Targoviste is expected to produce high margins as it produces custom made reinforcing elements conforming to each customer’s specific needs. Mechel will continue to supply products that meet the latest demands of customers in the construction industry.

The new production line will release inserts (“joist webs”) used to manufacture apertures of doors and windows, bind reinforcement structures together, and strengthen bearing structures; as well as welded frames necessary to create bearing concrete columns and other construction frames. All custom made products will possess unique characteristics needing no additional processing prior to its use.

The complex was supplied by SCHNELL, Italy, one of the leading manufactures of equipment for metallurgical plants. The production line’s projected capacity is 1,000 tonnes of shaped steel per month with the potential for a significant increase in output.

The project investments amounted to 1 million euros, or USD \\\\$1,5 million. The primary costs were for designing and acquiring the equipment, preparing premises, and training new personnel. To operate the line, 40 additional employees were hired.

Manufacturing custom made reinforcement elements includes several stages, including: sorting, cutting, bending, and storing. Each stage is provided with the latest machines that can automatically cut and displace reinforcements, obtain maximum preciseness while cutting large quantity of rebars, and bend any forms. All machines are distinguished by its type of operation and maintenance. Each machine is very cost efficient and can produce at high speeds with minimum manual labor.

Mechel Management OOO Chief Executive Officer Vladimir Polin commented: “This production gives Mechel Service Europe OOO an opportunity to offer construction companies a supply of finished reinforcing elements in the long term and will attract more end users due to its complex supplies and wider range of services. Using our reinforcing materials, we can reduce construction periods while ensuring a high quality product and reliability.”

Mr. Polin continued, “This new production line has given us the potential to win a new market niche. This is especially important considering there is rapid growth in the building materials market of Eastern Europe, which is tied to the general economic growth trend in this region. The new line at Mechel Targoviste will produce high margin products that are currently in high demand on the market. After commissioning the production line and arranging the shaped steel sales, the product volumes will be ramped up by installing additional equipment. We are pleased that Mechel’s steel division continues to successfully execute on its strategic objective to transfer to manufacturing downstream products with high added value. This allows Mechel to maintain a steady market position and generate stronger profits.”