JSC Liepajas Metalurgs (“LM”) has contracted a consortium led by Siemens VAI, Linz to modernize the existing steel works in Liepaja, Latvia. This step follows a series of undertakings initiated by LM in 2004 with the installation of a new billet caster done by Voest Alpine, Linz (acquired by Siemens in 2006). In 2006 a new packing line installation contract on the existing 350 mill, along with the pre-engineering contract, were also awarded to Siemens VAI.

 

A new 100 tn electric arc furnace together with a ladle furnace for secondary metallurgy are to replace three existing open hearth furnaces. An additional rolling mill with an annual capacity of 400,000 tonnes/year will allow the company to expand its product range in low and medium carbon steels; the two line mill shall produce coiled rebar and a wide range of light sections.

 

The neighboring electricity sub-station, along with its infrastructure, shall be revamped in co-operation with the national electricity provider Latvenergo, and the equipment supplier ABB- FACTS, Sweden. The modernization of the existing auxiliary facilities, including the lime and the oxygen plants, are also planned on the basis of ELME MESSER METALURGS and SMA LM Mineral joint-venture companies respectively.

 

The new installations will be commissioned in stages beginning in 2010.