OREANDA-NEWS. August 04, 2011. A grand commissioning ceremony was convened for the 1st Phase MMK2000mm Cold Rolling Mill of Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works in Russia, reported the press-centre of MCC.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was present at the event and conducted an inspection visit to the project site. As one of the major contractors, WISDRI Engineering & Research Incorporation Ltd. (WISDRI) was mainly responsible for the design, programming, supply of equipment materials, as well as guidance for installation and commissioning of the sewage treatment system, power supply and distribution system, air compression station and concentrated oil supply station.

The cold-rolling mill, with an annual capacity of two million tons, is primarily intended to manufacture top-quality cold-rolled steel sheet for the external and structural components of motor vehicles. The construction period lasted for 43 months, starting from the contract signing date in December 2007 and the 1st phase commissioning date in July 2011. Due to the effect of the financial crisis occurred during this period, the project execution was delayed over one year. The 1st phase works mainly consists of the pickling and rolling line and part of the supportive utilities.

The 2nd phase works comprises of a hot dip galvanizing line, a combined hot-galvanizing and continuous annealing unit, pinch leveling line, package line and the supportive utilities. As one of the representative projects of Russia, this works has attracted keen attention from the government, both Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin conducted inspection visit to the jobsite. The commissioning of the project will greatly enhance MMK’s competitive strength in the market of top-quality cold-rolled steel sheet.

During the project implementation, WISDRI conquered various difficulties such as the higher requirements on engineering technologies and management, as well as the poor conditions on site. In addition, effective measures have been taken by WISDRI for management standardization on design, procurement, logistics and on-site management, which have contributed a lot to the perfect performance.

Up to now, the most works included in the contract of WISDRI have been smoothly put into operation. The sewage treatment system under the 2nd phase works will be available for equipment installation in the near future. On this ground, WISDRI will make determined and persistent efforts to continuously offer quality and efficient services to the employer, and ensure the timely commissioning of the sewage treatment system.