OREANDA-NEWS. April 21, 2011. JFE Steel Corporation’s No.3 blast furnace at the company’s West Japan Works (Fukuyama) is expected to complete a revamping that began in January and be blown-in for a fourth campaign (operating cycle) beginning around May 14.

The resumption will enable JFE Steel to idle its No.2 blast furnace in Fukuyama for enhanced production efficiency. With the changes, crude-steel production capacity will rise to 13 million tons per annum at Fukuyama and 23 million tons in the larger West Japan Works. JFE Steel’s total capacity will rise to 33 million tons.

Looking ahead, JFE Steel expects to capitalize on growing new demand, especially from Asia, as well as demand for stable supplies from domestic and other international customers. At the same time, the company will continue to optimize its blast furnace operational structure on a comprehensive basis to maximize production efficiency, costs and other key factors.