Japan: Tokyo Steel's Tahara Plant halts steelmaking until June end

On 25 May, Tokyo Steel's Tahara Plant in Aichi Prefecture experienced an operational issue that damaged ancillary equipment but spared major machinery like electric furnaces. There were no casualties. Steelmaking operations have been suspended, with restoration expected by the end of June.

Investigation, restoration

The cause of the issue is under investigation. Restoration work will begin as soon as the cause is identified and it is important to solve it quickly as the Tahara Plant's steelmaking capacity is approximately 100,000 tonnes (t) per month.

Customer impact mitigation

The plant will continue receiving and rolling steel scrap to minimise customer impact through alternative production at other plants. Hot coil production will continue at the Okayama Plant, with slabs transported to Tahara for rolling. Semi-finished product production will be handled at the Okayama and Kyushu plants.

Raw material, procurement

The Tahara Plant's steel scrap yard has a capacity of 90,000 to 95,000 t. Supply from the Nagoya Satellite Yard will continue, and coastal vessel procurement will be adjusted based on incoming goods status.

Scheduled events

The factory tour for the National Convention of the Japan Steel Recycling Industry Association on 9 June will proceed as scheduled. Tokyo Steel's BCP simulations will help ensure minimal disruption during this period.

Note: This article has been written in accordance with an article exchange agreement between Japan Metal daily and BigMint.