OREANDA-NEWS. October 05, 2010. C4Gas S.A. (France), major purchasing portal of EU largest gas-transportation and oil-and-gas companies, has finalized the procedure of certification of products and sales structure in Metinvest Group: Metinvest International S.A. and  OJSC KhTW were included into the list of authorized suppliers of gas concern Gaz de France. The qualification certificate presented by C4Gas S.A. enables Metinvest to participate in tenders for the supply of SAW pipes for European companies.

The company started preparation to the certification in April 2008, procedure consisted of three stages: adaptation and preparation of documents; audit of enterprises; supply of pilot lot of products. Pilot lot produced by Khartsyzsk Tube Works was shipped to gas concern Gaz de France in February of 2010. The deal has become the first-ever supply of Ukrainian SAW pipes to Gaz de France.

Based on results of passing all necessary stages, Metinvest was awarded a certificate enabling to participate in all tenders of Gaz de France for supplies of SAW pipes. Besides, having the certificate is a necessary condition for cooperation with such large gas-transport companies as SPP A.S. Eustream S.A. (Slovakia) and STEWEAG-STEG GmbH (Austria). These companies purchase gas pipes only from C4Gas S.A. qualified producers. Presently, Metinvest is the only Company in CIS having the qualification.

Dmitriy Nikolaenko, acting Sales Director, Steel & Rolled Product Division of Metinvest Holding noted: “This was a difficult stage for us that demanded maximum concentration on the task. Taking into account the fact that С4Gas S.A. is a subsidiary and a purchasing portal of EU largest gas transport and oil & gas companies, this qualification was of highest priority for us. I’m sure the certificate will significantly strengthen positions of Metinvest in highly-competitive European market”.

Jack Maclachlan, CEO of the Steel & Rolled Product Division regards the certification as start of new milestone for Metinvest: “The C4Gas S.A. certification has brought us a wide range of opportunities and promising outlook. Confirmation of Metinvest’s qualification is a guarantee of confident promotion of Company’s products in fast-developing global energy markets, which can become for us an important outlet”.