OREANDA-NEWS. April 13, 2011. The hot strip mill at Sumitomo Metals’ Kashima Steelworks restarted operation for the first time since it was hit by the huge earthquake on March 11.

In addition, Kashima’s small diameter welded pipe mill restarted operation on April 12. Its products include gas pipes and water pipes that will be of help in rebuilding the communities in earthquake stricken areas.

By now, Kashima’s two hot rolling mills, namely plate mill and hot strip mill, are operating. We are focusing our efforts on restarting the last remaining large shape hot rolling mill.