One of the new remelting furnaces is installed at Tata Steel Speciality Steel’s Stocksbridge works (Credit Photo @ The Star)

The Indian-owned company has asked for offers for its speciality steels unit to be tabled by the end of the week, Sky News learns.

Tata Steel has given bidders for a division employing more than 1,500 people just days to table offers, even as the rest of its British workforce faces months of uncertainty about the company’s future ownership. Sky News has learnt that parties interested in buying Tata’s speciality steel unit, which includes five UK manufacturing sites, have been told to table indicative proposals by 15 July. The timetable suggests that Tata Steel wants to secure a rapid disposal of the speciality business. Workers at Tata’s vast Port Talbot steelworks, meanwhile, may not learn the outcome of negotiations about a joint venture with another major European steelmaker until the autumn. The speciality business, which is the world’s third-largest manufacturer of steel for the aerospace industry, counts Airbus, Boeing and Rolls-Royce among its customers. It employs close to 2,000 people at sites in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, as well as service centres in Bolton, Rotherham, Xian in China and Nagpur in India. Tata is also seeking a buyer for its pipeline tube business, which supplies steel products to the oil and gas industry, and has a workforce numbering several hundred people.

(US)

According to the french newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain: Ascométal is considering taking over the former Akers Thionville.  The project would consist of a partial resuming of the forging and the machining activities  and also to create synergie in recycling raw materials   between Ascométal facilities and Akers Thionville. The project would create 40 jobs  in the next two years.

AA

(Fr)

Ascométal, leader français des aciers longs spéciaux, pourrait faire revivre une petite partie de l’ex-usine sidérurgique Akers, à Thionville. Et au passage recréer une quarantaine d’emplois dans les deux ans à venir.

L’histoire sidérurgique de Thionville n’est peut-être pas totalement éteinte. Près de quatre mois après la fermeture d’Akers France et du licenciement de 165 personnes, un poids lourd de l’industrie a fait savoir qu’il serait intéressé pour reprendre une partie des actifs de l’ancienne usine. Il s’agit d’Ascométal, entreprise basée à Hagondange, dont le PDG a fait part de ses intentions au mandataire liquidateur d’Akers par courrier. Une entrevue a même été organisée début juillet, en mairie de Thionville, pour argumenter ce projet de reprise partielle qui pourrait voir renaître une quarantaine d’emplois dans les deux ans à venir. On est loin des 165 postes perdus avec la liquidation d’Akers, mais c’est toujours mieux que rien.

Faire revivre la forge

Ascométal rachèterait une partie du site et du matériel pour développer une activité de forge et d’usinage de barres d’acier de grandes sections. D’un point de vue technique, l’idée n’est pas farfelue puisque l’ex-usine était calibrée pour fabriquer des cylindres de laminoirs. Autant dire que les halles sont de taille XXL et le matériel parfaitement en adéquation avec le projet industriel aujourd’hui présenté. Par ailleurs, une activité de recyclage de barres et cylindres usagés est envisagée, ainsi qu’une activité de recyclage de barres de second choix issues des usines d’Ascométal. Ce n’est pas la première fois que le leader français des aciers longs spéciaux s’intéresse aux installations d’Akers. En début d’année, Ascométal avait formulé une proposition de reprise, alors que l’usine de Thionville – mais aussi celle de Berlaimont, dans le Nord – était encore en redressement judiciaire. C’était la seule offre financièrement solide mais qui, sur le plan social, était la plus basse avec la reprise de 85 emplois seulement. Aujourd’hui, la donne a changé et l’hypothèse d’une réindustrialisation, même partielle, pourrait redonner des couleurs au tissu économique. « Retrouver quarante emplois, ce serait en tout cas beaucoup mieux que de traîner une friche industrielle », reconnaît Jean-Charles Louis, premier adjoint au maire de Thionville, qui a révisé son jugement sur les intentions d’Ascométal au regard de la fermeture d’Akers. « C’est vrai qu’en début d’année, je ne soutenais pas particulièrement leur offre de reprise » pour les raisons évoquées plus haut. On ne s’attend pas à ce que le juge-commissaire décide de quoi que ce soit avant la rentrée. Ceci d’autant qu’une vente aux enchères des actifs doit intervenir début octobre.

Source :

http://www.republicain-lorrain.fr/edition-de-thionville-hayange/2016/07/20/ascometal-interesse-par-les-outils-d-akers

A company affiliated with one of China’s biggest aluminum makers agreed to acquire Cleveland-based Aleris Corp. from its private equity owners for $1.1 billion, which would mark the highest price ever paid by a Chinese firm for a U.S. metals producer. The deal by Zhongwang USA LLC to buy Aleris offers a “complementary business foothold,” said Liu Zhongtian, who controls the U.S. affiliate and is also the founder and chairman of China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd. Based in eastern China, China Zhongwang is one of the world’s biggest makers of aluminum extrusions, which are hollowed out or molded metal used to make goods like car parts, appliances and window frames. Aleris—which has 14 plants around the world, annual revenue of around $3 billion, and employs 5,000 people—makes rolled aluminum for a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive and construction. Aleris has also supplied aluminum plate used by the U.S. military, including for armored vehicles.

It is also building a $400 million expansion in Lewisport, Ky., to ramp up production of aluminum sheet for car and truck makers, which have been increasing their use of the metal.

That means the deal will offer China Zhongwang better access to U.S. auto makers, whose increased consumption of aluminum to meet fuel efficiency standards is one of the brightest spots in the global aluminum industry.

China Zhongwang couldn’t be reached for comment.

Aleris Chief Executive Sean Stack said the transition to new ownership would be “seamless” and that the “new strategic shareholder” would give the company “greater financial flexibility.” The deal could provide the U.S. company with new sources of raw aluminum, and a foothold in China, another fast-growing market, say analysts.

The deal could attract attention from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., which can recommend blocking or modifying foreign investments on national security grounds. Last week CFIUS cleared the way for China National Chemical Corp.’s $43 billion planned takeover of seed giant Syngenta AG, months after dismissing smaller Chinese deals for electronics and lightbulb manufacturers.

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A spokeswoman for the Treasury Department, which oversees the committee, declined to comment. CFIUS is prohibited from disclosing information related to specific cases.

Since 2010, Aleris has been owned by a group of private-equity investors led by Oaktree Capital Management LP. Oaktree declined to comment. In addition to the cash price, Zhongwang USA will also assume $1.2 billion in Aleris debt as part of the deal, which is expected to close early next year.

Chinese industrial companies are increasingly likely to look for investment in the U.S. as the pace of economic growth slows in China. “They can use that capital in [new] investments in China, or invest abroad through acquisition,” said Andrew Lane, an analyst at Morningstar, Inc. “With slowing success at investment growth in China, it’s not surprising they would look elsewhere for opportunities.”

A lukewarm economy in China is having other consequences, too. The glut of steel, aluminum and others metals generated by Chinese oversupply has been a focus of U.S. trade officials, who have levied new tariffs this year on Chinese steel imports.

China Zhongwang is under investigation by the U.S. Commerce Department after domestic players complained the Chinese competitor was shipping metal through third countries to avoid import tariffs, a practice known as transshipping.

The tariffs in question were imposed in 2010 after a probe by Commerce officials found that China Zhongwang benefited from excessive Chinese government subsidies.

Jeff Henderson, a lobbyist for U.S. aluminum producers, said the Aleris acquisition “raises very serious concerns for the entire industry,” because of the allegations of transshipping, and because “Zhongwang is a state-supported enterprise and has received large benefits and financing from the Government of China.”

Corrections & Amplifications:
Aleris Corp. is being bought by Zhongwang USA LLC, which is an investment company owned by Zhongwang International Group Ltd., parent company of China Zhongwang. The headline on an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that China Zhongwang was going to buy Aleris.

Source :

http://www.wsj.com/articles/china-zhongwang-to-buy-aluminum-company-aleris-1472475642

Credit Photo @ Bloomberg

Le sous-traitant aéronautique Ventana a fait deux acquisitions en Autriche et en Suède. En rachetant O. St. Feinguss Gmbh et Hackas Precisionsgjuteri AB qui emploient au total 86 personnes pour un chiffre d’affaires de 10 millions d’euros, l’industriel, basé dans le Béarn, ajoute deux sites industriels aux cinq qu’il possède déjà en France. Deux acquisitions qui vont permettre au groupe Ventana, fruit d’une active croissance externe, de franchir le palier des 50 millions d’euros de chiffre d’affaires, d’approcher les 500 salariés et d’attaquer les marchés à l’export. Ce spécialiste de la fonderie, qui est train d’investir 15 millions d’euros dans ses usines françaises, va aussi élargir sa gamme de procédés de fabrication afin de travailler de nouveaux alliages.

Avec l’acquisition des sociétés O. St. Feinguss GmbH et Hackås Precisionsgjuteri AB en date du 10 août 2016, VENTANA élargit ses opérations industrielles à l’Europe ainsi que sa gamme de procédés de fabrication à la fonderie cire perdue et plâtre pour tous alliages (légers et aciers spéciaux). • O. St. Feinguss GmbH, basée à Kapfenberg en Autriche, produit des composants pour les marchés technologiquement exigeants tels l’aéronautique, le sport automobile, le médical et la défense depuis près de 70 ans. Avec 68 salariés, elle a réalisé en 2015 un chiffre d’affaires de 7,5 M€ et 90 % de sa production est exportée : http://www.ost-feinguss.at/index.php/en/ • Hackås Precisionsgjuteri AB, basée à Hackås en Suède, produit des composants de grande précision principalement pour les marchés suédois de la défense et du médical depuis 45 ans. Avec 18 salariés, elle a réalisé un chiffre d’affaires de 2 M€ en 2015: http://www.hpgab.se/startpage/ Le groupe VENTANA conçoit et met en œuvre des procédés de fabrication efficients (V-Solutions), toujours plus respectueux des personnes et de l’environnement, pour composants et ensembles métalliques à forte valeur ajoutée. L’intégration de ces deux nouvelles filiales au sein de son pôle fonderie lui ouvrira de nouveaux horizons commerciaux et permettra à ses clients de bénéficier de solutions de fabrication très attractives. VENTANA fournit principalement les industries de l’aéronautique, du spatial, de la défense et de l’énergie en Europe, et en Amérique du Nord. Avec désormais près de 500 salariés et 7 usines en France, en Autriche et en Suède, le Groupe dépassera 50 M€ de chiffre d’affaires : http://www.ventana-group.eu/

Source :  http://www.ventana-group.eu/upload/actualite/fichier/179-479-communiquee_ventana_du_24082016.pdf

Doncasters makes components used across industries such as aerospace and oil and gas

Blackstone and Carlyle are among the investment firms examining bids for the UK-based manufacturer, Sky News learns. Some of the world’s biggest investment firms are weighing offers for Doncasters, a British precision manufacturing group being put on the auction block by its Dubai-based owner. Sky News has learnt that Blackstone, Carlyle and Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) are examining takeover bids for Doncasters, which makes components used across industries such as aerospace and oil and gas. An auction of the company, which traces its roots back to 1778 when it was founded in Sheffield, is kicking off this month and could fetch a price tag in the region of £1.5bn. Doncasters is the final asset in the portfolio of Dubai International Capital (DIC), having been owned by the emirate’s ruling family since 2006, when it had grand ambitions to become one of the world’s most prominent private equity investors. Sources said that bankers acting for DIC were contacting a small group of private equity firms and specialist manufacturers to gauge their appetite to buy Doncasters.

CARNEGIE, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation (NYSE: AP) is pleased to announce the acquisition of ASW Steel, Inc. (“ASW”), a premier specialty steel producer based in Welland, Ontario, Canada. The total purchase price of ASW is approximately $13.1 million, including $3.5 million in cash and assumption of approximately $9.6 million of outstanding indebtedness. Commenting on the acquisition, John Stanik, Ampco-Pittsburgh’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am very pleased to add ASW to the Ampco-Pittsburgh family. This acquisition is a very important element in Ampco-Pittsburgh’s strategic diversification plan. ASW’s proven broad expertise in flexible steel refining methods will provide us with the capabilities to manufacture the additional chemistries needed to expand our reach in the open-die forging market. The transaction also enhances our ability to grow in markets in which we currently participate and to add new markets for customers in the oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation, and construction industries.” “We are very excited to join the Ampco-Pittsburgh group of companies. ASW has enjoyed a healthy, long-standing relationship with their steel-related facilities. Our combined capabilities will offer forgers, ring rollers, and rolling mills, a high-quality supplier with the broadest range of specialized steel products in the marketplace. Most importantly, however, I see a strong cultural fit. Ampco-Pittsburgh is driven to succeed, and their employees are progressive and service oriented. ASW employees embody the same values and enthusiasm. We cannot wait to get started,” said Tim Clutterbuck, President of ASW Steel, Inc.

ASW, whose annual revenues are approximately CAD 65 million, will be an indirect subsidiary of Union Electric Steel Corporation, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Ampco-Pittsburgh. Union Electric Steel is a leading producer of forged and cast engineered products for the global steel and aluminum industries.

About Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation

Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation, through its operating subsidiary, Union Electric Steel Corporation, is a leading producer of forged and cast rolls for the worldwide steel and aluminum industries, as well as ingot and open die forged products for the oil and gas, aluminum, and plastic extrusion industries. Ampco-Pittsburgh is also a producer of air and liquid processing equipment, primarily custom-engineered finned tube heat exchange coils, large custom air handling systems and centrifugal pumps. The Corporation operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Slovenia, and China. Sales offices are located in North and South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Corporate headquarters is located in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

About ASW Steel, Inc.

ASW Steel, Inc. is a premier specialty steel-making facility located in Welland, Ontario, offering a unique combination of carbon, stainless, and other specialty steelmaking capabilities. Flexible steel refining methods include argon oxygen decarburization, vacuum oxygen decarburization, vacuum degassing, and ladle metallurgical station. ASW Steel’s specialty metals and flexible steel refining methods allow for the production of various high-quality products.

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and may include, but are not limited to, statements about sales levels, restructuring, profitability and anticipated synergies, expenses and cash outflows. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking, and words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “continue,” “plans,” “intends,” “likely,” or other similar words or phrases are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement contained herein, in other press releases, written statements or documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or in Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation communications with and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, phone calls and conference calls, regarding expectations with respect to sales, earnings, cash flows, operating efficiencies, product introduction or expansion, the benefits of acquisitions and divestitures or other matters as well as financings and repurchases of debt or equity securities, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Many of these risks, uncertainties and contingencies are beyond our control, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance or achievements. Factors that might affect such forward-looking statements, include, among other things, disruption from the acquisition may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers or suppliers; general economic and business conditions, demand for Ampco-Pittsburgh’s goods and services, competitive conditions, interest rate and foreign currency rate fluctuations, availability of key raw materials and unfavorable resolution of claims against the Corporation, as well as those discussed more fully elsewhere in this release and in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Ampco-Pittsburgh, particularly our latest annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings. Any forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after that date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contacts

Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation
Melanie L. Sprowson, 412-429-2454
Director, Investor Relations
msprowson@ampcopgh.com

Con atto firmato questa mattina a Milano, Ori Martin Spa ha acquisito il 100% di Novacciai Spa.  Situata a San Pietro Mosezzo (No), Novacciai è stata fondata nel 1984 da Ambrogio Brambilla e dal 2012 è di proprietà del Gruppo Roda. L’azienda novarese è un’azienda specializzata nella lavorazione a freddo di acciaio in barre pelate, trafilate e rettificate, sia in acciai legati che inox, prevalentemente per il mercato dell’automotive e della meccanica. Il nuovo consiglio di amministrazione nominato dall’assemblea è composto da: Roberto de Miranda Presidente, Giovanni Marinoni Vice Presidente, Piero Bettinzoli Amministratore delegato, Andrea Agnelli e Stefano Crivelli Consiglieri. Ori Martin ha così commentato l’operazione: “Il deal si colloca nella strategia del gruppo Ori in un’ottica di integrazione verticale. Ci auguriamo che non si tratti di un passaggio isolato, ma sia l’inizio di un percorso che possa continuare nell’ottica di sviluppo e consolidamento. Novacciai è un’ottima azienda che vogliamo contribuire a sviluppare. Questo avverrà nella continuità, senza stravolgimenti né tecnici né organizzativi. Questa operazione conferma la stima, sia personale che professionale, nei confronti delle persone e della qualità del lavoro del gruppo Roda con il quale continuerà la solida collaborazione commerciale in atto da tempo”. Per gli aspetti legali Ori Martin è stata assistita dall’avv. Enrico Valerio, partner dello studio Biscozzi Nobili, mentre il venditore è stato assistito dagli avvocati Raynaud e Degli Esposti dello Studio Legale Raynaud.

Source :

Chinese aerospace and mining firm Shaanxi Ligeance Mineral Resources (SLMR) announced today it is to buy aerospace parts manufacturer Gardner Aerospace. Derby-headquartered Gardner makes parts which are used by Airbus and is currently one of the high-flying businesses held by City veteran Jon Moulton’s Better Capital. SLMR, along with its subsidiary Chengdu Aerospace Superalloy Technology (CAST), plans to pick up Gardner for £326m in cash and is being advised by Jason Steen’s Steen Associates, Herbert Smith Freehills and KPMG.

“This is easily the most important aerospace transaction for some time. The Chinese are entering the UK aerospace supply chain in a meaningful way and that’s good news for Britain and for the sector as a whole. They have diligently investigated the opportunity and I see it as the beginning of exciting things to come – both here and in Europe”.

Jason Steen

“The acquisition of Gardner will allow us to serve our customers better – in China and the rest of the world – for decades to come,” said Lizhi Wang, vice president of SLMR and chief executive of CAST. “With the management team at Gardner together with our advisers – we intend to further consolidate the global aerospace supply chain through careful strategic acquisitions.” Jim Heaviside, an executive from CAST who will be joining the Gardner board, commented: “As an ambitious trade buyer, we think this is a very exciting development for Gardner as it moves from financial ownership towards a strategic owner with clear plans for further growth domestically and globally.” The deal still needs to meet certain regulatory approvals, as well as gain sign off from Gardner’s current shareholders.

It was announced today that Gardner Aerospace is to be acquired by Shaanxi Ligeance Mineral Resources (SLMR) and its subsidiary Chengdu Aerospace Superalloy Technology (CAST), for £326m in cash. SLMR, which is listed on the Shenzhen stock exchange with a market capitalisation of £1.4bn, is being advised by Steen Associates, Herbert Smith Freehills and KPMG in connection with the acquisition. Commenting on the transaction, Lizhi Wang, Vice President of SLMR and CEO of CAST said: “The acquisition of Gardner will allow us to serve our customers better – in China and the rest of the world – for decades to come. With the management team at Gardner together with our advisers – we intend to further consolidate the global aerospace supply chain through careful strategic acquisitions.”

Gardner is a European leader in the manufacture of aerospace parts supplied to aerospace OEMs – notably Airbus and other airframe and engine manufacturers. The business is headquartered in Derby, UK (right) and has additional manufacturing locations across Europe and in India, employing 1,500 people.

Gardner employs 690 staff in the UK.

The company has revenues of approximately £150m and operating margins of around 20%, and is well positioned on existing Airbus platforms including the A320, A330, and A350. SLMR is an aerospace and mining corporation. SLMR mining division owns a number of rhenium mines in Northern Huashan, with proven reserves equal to 7% of the global market. Rhenium is a rare mineral used in the production of superalloys that are vital in the manufacture of aerospace components. Both SLMR and CAST have close relationships with the regional and national Chinese authorities.  Jim Heaviside from CAST, who will sit on the Gardner Board and lead the development of the group, commented: “As an ambitious trade buyer, we think this is a very exciting development for Gardner as it moves from financial ownership towards a strategic owner with clear plans for further growth domestically and globally. SLMR and CAST have been looking for a solid acquisition like this for some time and we are absolutely convinced that Gardner has the long-term attributes we are looking for – strong management, technical proficiency, embedded customer relationships and high potential for growth.” The proposed transaction remains subject to certain regulatory and other approvals (including from the shareholders of Gardner Aerospace, following consultation with Gardner’s works council in France).

Source :

http://www.cityam.com/253807/shaanxi-ligeance-mineral-resources-digs-out-326m-gardner

http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/gardner-aerospace-acquired-by-slmr-for-326m.html

• Joint Venture for stainless long steel in China
• Focus on production of drawn bright bars
• Addressing market segments with excellent growth potential

SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH, a global leader in special long steel, and TSINGSHAN GROUP (“TSINGSHAN”), a world leader in stainless steel, today announced the formation of a Joint Venture (“JV”) in China. The JV company is 60 percent owned by SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH and 40 percent by TSINGSHAN and will operate under the name Shanghai Xinzhen Precision Bar Co. Ltd. out of Shanghai (China).

By creating the JV, SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH and TSINGSHAN share the common ambition of further growth in the Chinese stainless long steel market. The combination of SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH’s technical know-how with TSINGSHAN’s strong market position in China creates a world-class supplier of special bright bars that is able to meet the growing demand in the region. The JV focuses on the production of a wide range of drawn bright bars with a reliable and flexible supply chain, leveraging technical expertise, operational excellence and deep customer and market knowledge of both parties.

Key feedstock will comprise stainless steel wire rods from TSINGSHAN as well as from SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH’s Business Units Ugitech and Deutsche Edelstahlwerke which are recognized as a global benchmark in quality and performance. Deep understanding of end-use applications coupled with a local manufacturing capability in China will allow to comprehensively delivering industry-specific
value proposition to customers through this partnership. To further strengthen its leading position, Shanghai Xinzhen Precision Bar will invest in additional equipment that allows expanding the offering to higher performance steel grades.

“By partnering in drawn bar activity with highly respected TSINGSHAN we will establish local downstream production capability in China,” SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH CEO Clemens Iller commented. “This marks a milestone in our efforts to better serve global customers located in China and consolidates our leading position in technical products, mainly for the Automotive and Electronics industries. Beyond that, we can address several market segments such as Industrial Equipment or Food & Beverage that offer niches with excellent growth potential.”

Mr Huang Weifeng, Vice Chairman of TSINGSHAN GROUP, said: “TSINGSHAN is one of the worldwide major players in the stainless steel industry and Shanghai Decent Group, the JV partner, is a member company of TSINGSHAN. The joint venture is an excellent example of win-win cooperation in the stainless steel industry.”

TSINGSHAN is a global leader endeavor to the excellence operation of complete stainless steel production chain with more than 26’000 employees. It currently operates a bar drawing facility in Shanghai under the name Shanghai Xinzhen Special Steel Co. Ltd. SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH is a leading global producer, processor and distributor of special long steel products, operating with a global sales and services network in an attractive niche market. It enjoys strong customer relationships globally in various application industries and an extensive international footprint. This partnership will help to further consolidate its existing strong presence in Chinese markets.

For further information please contact:
SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH AG:
Dr Ulrich Steiner, Head of Investor Relations& Corporate Communications
phone +41 41 581 4120, Send E-Mail

TSINGSHAN GROUP:
Mr Wang Haijun, CEO of Decent Group, a member of Tsingshan Group,
phone +8613816122626, Send E-Mail

Forward-looking statements
Information in this release may contain forward-looking statements, including presentations of developments, plans, intentions, assumptions, expectations, beliefs and potential impacts as well as descriptions of future events, income, results, situations or outlook. They are based on the Company’s current expectations, beliefs and assumptions, which are subject to uncertainty and may differ materially from the current facts, situation, impact or developments.

About SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH
The SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Group is today one of the world’s leading providers of individual solutions in the special long steel products sector. The Group is one of the leading manufacturers of tool steel and non-corrosive long steel on the global market and one of the two largest companies in Europe for alloyed and high-alloyed constructional steel. With around 9,000 employees and in-house production and distribution companies in over 30 countries and on 5 continents, the company guarantees its customers a global supply and customer service, and offers them a complete production portfolio as well as sales and services around the world. They benefit from the company’s technological expertise, the consistently high product quality around the world and detailed knowledge of local markets.

About TSINGSHAN
The TSINGSHAN GROUP, private companies, founded in year 1988 in China, is now one of the worldwide top stainless steel players. Presently Tsingshan’s rankings in China Top 500 Enterprises and China Top 500 Manufacturing Enterprises are respectively No. 164 and No. 69. With employees more than 26’000, Tsingshan’s main production bases in China are located in Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces. Massive NPI and stainless steel production facilities have been built-up in Indonesia. And one FeCr plant has been in operation in Zimbabwe since 2012. In recent years, Tsingshan has been making great efforts in globalizing its production and services with an aim to become the world-widely most competitive stainless steel producer.

Precision Castparts Corporation, owned by Mr. Buffett, has reached a deal to acquire Wilhelm Schulz, the world leader in piping components. It’s the second acquisition by Mr. Buffett in Germany in the past two years. U.S. billionaire Warren Buffett has purchased another mid-sized German company through a subsidiary of his holding company Berkshire Hathaway, Handelsblatt has learned. Precision Castparts Corporation, or PCC, purchased by Mr. Buffett two years ago for $37 billion (€34 billion), has reached a deal to acquire Wilhelm Schulz, the world leader in piping components. Wilhelm Schulz has 450 employees and generated €172 million in 2014. Mark Donegan, the chief executive of PCC, confirmed the deal to Handelsblatt but declined to disclose the purchase price or provide specifics about the acquisition. Mr. Donegan said PCC is looking for additional acquisitions in the aviation and energy sectors.

“He is looking for companies that have proven themselves on the market over many decades and have developed a brand.”

Zypora Kupferberg,, Kupferberg Transactions

The acquisition of Wilhelm Schulz is part of Mr. Buffett’s growing interest in Germany’s mid-sized business segment. Mr. Buffett sent his portfolio manager, Ted Weschler, to Germany in December to look for potential acquisition candidates. Zypora Kupferberg, founder of Kupferberg Transactions, has been helping Mr. Weschler scout out companies in Germany. Ms. Kupferberg said many of Germany’s family-owned companies have a profile that fits well with Mr. Buffett’s investment strategy. Mr. Buffett, the second-richest man in the world with a fortune of $74 billion, is known for investing in companies for the long haul and taking a hands off approach to their operations. Berkshire Hathaway has $85 billion at its disposal. “He is looking for companies that have proven themselves on the market over many decades and have developed a brand,” Ms. Kupferberg told Handelsblatt. “There are many such companies particularly in Germany.” The Federal Cartel Office, Germany’s anti-trust regulator, still has to approve the Wilhelm Schulz deal. The acquisition would include the company’s U.S. subsidiary in Mississippi, Schulz Xtruded Projects, which manufactures seamless steal pipes and material for the aviation industry. Wilhelm Schulz is being advised by Munich-based Fox Corporate Finance, a firm that specializes in mid-sized companies. No investment banks are involved in the transaction, according to Handelsblatt sources close to the negotiations. Mr. Buffett is known for his unconventional business practices and his low regard for investment banks.

Mr. Buffett’s portfolio manager, Ted Weschler, is searching for companies with pre-tax profits of €50 million or more.

Berkshire’s acquisition of Wilhelm Schulz is considered a wise move by industry analysts. Stainless steel products made by the company have applications in the oil, gas and aviation industries. In the Middle East, there’s a growing demand for corrosion resistant vents and pipe components made out of stainless steel to handle sour crude oil that is high in sulfur content. If the deal receives the green light by regulators, it would be the second acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway in Germany in the past two years. Berkshire Hathaway purchased the motorcycle parts company Louis, based in Hamburg, for €400 million in 2015. Mr. Buffett told Handelsblatt in a previous interview that he wants to purchase more companies in Germany. He announced at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting in May that he plans to make at least one more acquisition in Germany by 2020. Mr. Buffett’s portfolio manager, Ted Weschler, is searching for companies with pre-tax profits of €50 million or more. In September, Mr. Weschler started a partnership with German savings banks to find the right companies. Many private equity investors, both foreign and domestic, are interested in Germany’s mid-sized business sector, which is traditionally dominated by machine manufacturers, auto parts suppliers and chemicals specialists. According to estimates, however, only 50 transactions are completed every year.

Source :

https://global.handelsblatt.com/finance/warren-buffett-strikes-again-in-germany-687540

January 26, 2017  – Vallourec, the global leader in premium tubular solutions, and Asco Industries, a major European actor in the production of special steels (long products), today finalize the acquisition of a majority shareholding by Asco Industries in the Saint Saulve steel mill.  Ascoval S.A.S., 60% owned by Asco Industries and 40% by Vallourec, will own all the assets of the steel mill. The creation of Ascoval, which plans to integrate the site’s 320 highly skilled employees, is based on a solid industrial and commercial project that includes a major investment program as well as commercial commitments for the purchase of steel by both partners.

The investment program will allow the Saint-Saulve steel mill to diversify its markets and adapt to Asco Industries’ needs. It includes:
– in Saint-Saulve, the development of the existing equipment to extend the range of steel bar diameters and develop new steel grades that will allow access to new markets, particularly the automotive market.
– in Dunkirk, the rolling capacity will be strengthened to allow the plant to enter new market segments;

Steel purchasing commitments

The Saint-Saulve steel mill, a modern, hi-tech production facility, will supply both shareholders; Asco Industries to supply the rolling facilities of its mills, and Vallourec for its special steel requirements.
The loading plan is progressive and should reach an annualized production level of 275,000 tonnes from the end of 2017, volumes which will allow the steel mill to remain operational and competitive.

In terms of governance, the management of the company will be assured by Asco Industries. A Management Board, composed of five members; three of its members from Asco Industries and two from Vallourec, has been established. Franck Dourlens, currently Director of Asco Industries in Les Dunes, will become Director of the company and site, replacing Jean-Paul Brancart, who will take on other roles within Vallourec at the start of March.

Philippe Crouzet, Chairman of the Vallourec Management Board, stated, “This transfer is part of the Vallourec transformation plan, most of which has now been completed. It will allow the Saint-Saulve steel mill to work with Asco Industries to write a new page in its history, whilst continuing to supply Vallourec with special steels. I would like to thank all the site’s employees for their involvement.”

Alex Nick, Chairman of Ascométal, stated, “Asco Industries and Vallourec share the same vision that customers should benefit from the best technology to get premium products of the highest quality. It is in this spirit that Ascoval represents an opportunity not only for our two companies, but also for our customers. Together with the employees of Saint-Saulve and Asco Industries, we are creating a leading French industrial sector for special long steels. “

The Saint Saulve steel mill

Commissioned in 1975 and connected to the rail network and the Escaut Canal, the Saint-Saulve electric-arc steel mill covers an area of 245,000 m², 61,000 m² of which are covered. It has 320 highly qualified employees and semi finished steel products (continuous cast rounds or CCR). It is characterized by its flexibility, which allows it to produce a wide range of steels, particularly highly alloyed steels. Over the last ten years it has received investments of 100 million euros, including in a new continuous curved caster in 2008 and a new electric furnace in 2013, making it a modern, hi-tech production facility.

About Vallourec

Vallourec is a world leader in premium tubular solutions for the energy markets and for demanding industrial applications such as oil and gas wells in harsh environments, new generation power plants, challenging architectural projects, and high-performance mechanical equipment. Vallourec’s pioneering spirit and cutting-edge R&D continually open new technological frontiers. Operating in more than 20 countries, its 20,000 dedicated and passionate employees work hand-in-hand with their customers to offer more than just tubes: they deliver innovative, safe, competitive and smart tubular solutions, to make every project possible.

Listed on the Euronext in Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120354, Ticker VK) and eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD), Vallourec is included in the following indices: SBF 120 and Next 150.

In the United States, Vallourec has established a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program (ISIN code: US92023R2094, Ticker: VLOWY). Parity between ADR and a Vallourec ordinary share has been set at 5:1.

About Asco Industries

Asco Industries is a European leader in specialty long steels for the automotive, mechanical engineering, bearings and energy sectors with annual sales of around € 400 million. Asco Industries employs 1,480 employees on 5 industrial sites in France: three steel production sites (Dunkerque, Hagondange, Fos-sur-Mer) and two machining facilities (Custines, Saint-Etienne), in addition to a Joint Venture (MASCOMETAL Ltd) and commercial subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and the United States. Asco Industries has the first European research center on special steels (CREAS), with 35 researchers based in Hagondange. Innovation, technical expertise and quality for the customer are the hallmark of ASCOMETAL® products.

Contacts :
Vallourec
Relations Presse : Héloïse Rothenbühler – heloise.rothenbuhler@vallourec.com / +33 6 45 45 19 67
Relations Investisseurs : Etienne Bertrand – etienne.bertrand@vallourec.com / +33 1 49 09 35 58

Asco Industries
Maxime Lazard – maxime.lazard@ascometal.com /  +33 1 42 38 74 35

A major point of pain has been the forging shop as it has not delivered the expected returns. The company has spent close to Rs 3,000 crore in building a nuclear forge shop to become the super hi-tech company of India. However, the tsunami in Japan in 2011 changed the outlook for nuclear power plants. that things could improve from 2018 because many nuclear reactors are coming and some forging will be made here. So from virtually 20% proper utilisation, it will go to 70 %. On photo India’s biggest open die hydraulic press (9000 MT) with 150 MT manipulator (Credit Photo @ LT Heavy Engineering)

Over the last couple of decades, L&T has entered several new businesses and geographies to grow topline. But not all these business lines have delivered the kind of growth anticipated. While some legacy businesses date back to the pre-liberalisation days, some later-day investments like the forging shop too have not delivered returns. Outgoing boss AM Naik is doing his best to resolve these issues before he retires, but it’s inevitable that the company’s new CEO SN Subrahmanyan (SNS) will inherit some of them. As technology changes, one of
the key challenges before the company will be to transform some of the businesses to keep pace with sweeping changes. The technology services businesses will be at the centre of this shift. SNS will also have to keep discovering the new and core and sell legacy businesses. The company has laid out its new five-year plan and in times to come, Subrahmanyan will have to discover a new core and let go of some non-core businesses. In an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol, Subrahmanyan said that there is no going back on this one. He said: “There is an adage, sell to grow and grow to sell and that we will follow to the core and see how to take it forward and that is the way it will be. So, there is no question of any second thoughts or any rethinking on this. We need to do this, maybe we need to do it on a more accelerated pace and we will continue to do that.” Talking of legacy businesses, Naik in his own time has sold at least 11 businesses. Explained Naik, “A lot of small businesses, they are not created by me or anyone but they have been with us historically. I have got rid of 11 of them. We still have to get out of 9 of them. I am trying my level best that, by September, 3-4 are out. We are working on it but there are a few more which will have to be sold off but that will be done together with the CFO and Subrahmanyan to simplify a little.” A major point of pain has been the forging shop as it has not delivered the expected returns. The company has spent close to Rs 3,000 crore in building a nuclear forge shop to become the super hi-tech company of India. In 2006, “I got a telephone call from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and they said there is only one Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) for manufacture of power and you have to think about it plus you are the only nuclear reactor manufacturer. They came up with a tender for partnering joint venture on making nuclear great forgings that was 2007,” said Naik.   However, the tsunami in Japan in 2011 changed the outlook for nuclear power plants. The world was looking to put more than 100 nuclear reactor in US and elsewhere, but brakes were put on it. When L&T entered the segment, there was a boom but it collapsed when the forge shop was not even half ready. L&T has been losing money on this and a resolution will have to be found. While Naik admitted that it was a legacy which Subrahmanyan will have to deal with, he was optimistic that things could improve from 2018 because many nuclear reactors are coming and some forging will be made here. So from virtually 20 percent proper utilisation, it will go to 70 percent. To that extent, there will be no more losses. Till then the management will have to work hard to bring diversified forging orders to keep the factory going. Infrastructure Development Projects is another legacy issue that the new CEO will inherit. Naik claims that a lot of action has been taken already and, “I would say certainly by September it would be reorganised, restructured where we were losing Rs 600-800 crore is going to be less than Rs 100 crore.”

Read more at: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/exclusive-lt%E2%80%99s-am-naik-aims-to-conclude-some-asset-sales-before-oct-1_8415261.html?utm_source=ref_article

Sanjeev Gupta, the head of the Liberty Group 

Tata Steel UK has concluded the £100m sale of its Specialty Steels business to Sanjeev Gupta’s Liberty House in a deal that should guarantee some 1,700 jobs in northern England. Tata’s specialty division makes high-end alloy metals for the aerospace and energy industries. Bimlendra Jha of Tata said the sale would help secure the future of the threatened Port Talbot plant in South Wales. which makes slab steel, and employs 8,500 people. “This is good news for Speciality Steels and for Tata Steel’s core business in the UK,” he said. Global steel prices have slumped in recent years, causing financial distress for producers. Indian-conglomerate Tata announced last March that it was looking to sell all of its UK businesses after years of losses, which prompted Liberty’s bid for the speciality division. Tata later said it would look at merging some of its European operations with the German steel maker ThyssenKrupp. The firm said Thursday it is consulting with UK employees to secure a more sustainable future for its British interests. It is also in discussions with the Pension Regulator over a “structural solution” to the £15bn British Steel Pension Scheme, which has an estimated £1bn deficit. However, the financial position of Tata’s European operations, which includes Port Talbot, has picked up in recent months thanks to currency movements, lower energy costs and stronger global steel prices. In the latest quarter Tata Europe delivered a £74m operating profit, compared with a £90m loss in the same period of the previous year. Tata Steel acquired Corus, formerly British Steel, in 2007. Tata has a 23,000 workforce in Europe, of which around 10,000 are in the UK including the Specialty division.

Source :

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/tata-steel-uk-concludes-sale-of-division-to-sanjeev-guptas-liberty-house-a7571351.html

Carpenter Technology Corporation  announced the  purchase of substantially all of the assets and business of Puris LLC (“Puris”), a producer of titanium powder for additive manufacturing and advanced technology applications, for $35 million. The assets and business to be acquired include Puris’ titanium powder operations and business, additive manufacturing assets, patents and related intellectual property. “This acquisition will provide Carpenter with immediate entry into the rapidly expanding titanium powder market and is consistent with our strategic focus on strengthening our leadership position in important growth areas,” said Tony Thene, Carpenter’s President & CEO. “Puris brings industry leading technology and processes for the production of titanium powder, additive manufacturing part production capabilities, a talented team, attractive intellectual property, and established customer relationships. The strengths of Puris, coupled with Carpenter’s reputation as an industry leading producer of premium alloys and our global commercial reach, will allow us to further deliver on the growing needs of our customers.”  As a result of the transaction, Carpenter will enter the titanium powder market significantly earlier than previously planned and will reduce its planned fiscal year 2017 capital expenditures by approximately $20 million. Operations will continue at the existing site which is well positioned for future expansion and will operate as a functional unit of Carpenter Powder Products, complementing Carpenter’s existing broad portfolio of well-established powder metallurgy offerings. Stephen Peskosky, Vice President of Corporate Development at Carpenter stated, “The addition of titanium powder to Carpenter’s existing capabilities is significant due to the current and anticipated demand increases from the additive manufacturing industry, which produces mission critical parts supplied to Aerospace and Medical markets, as well as other markets.  As we continue to differentiate Carpenter as a solutions provider and market focused company, we believe the expansion of our powder and additive manufacturing capabilities further enhances the value we provide our customers and further expands our long-term growth profile.” Puris is based in Bruceton Mills, WV and is a leading producer of titanium powder for additive manufacturing and other applications. The Puris team includes pioneers in the evolution of spherical titanium powder atomization and utilizes world-leading technology and processes for producing titanium and other pre-alloyed powders of the highest integrity. In addition, the flexibility of Puris’ production capacity and process enables fulfillment of both high volume demands, as well as custom lots. Since its founding in 2014, Puris has successfully built leading capabilities, established advanced technology procedures, and earned valuable quality approvals and accreditations. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and closing is expected to occur during the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Further to its press release of July 6, 2016, LISI AEROSPACE today announces that it has completed the disposal of PRECIMETAL FONDERIE DE PRECISION to the CICLAD Capital Investment Fund, alongside the management of PRECIMETAL. With the acquisition of PRECIMETAL, CICLAD is continuing its strategy of growing its portfolio of industrial assets, especially in the aerospace market. LISI AEROSPACE is focusing on complex primary parts developed from strategic technologies, into which the Group is expanding, in particular in forging and forming. PRECIMETAL manufactures metal parts in lost-wax casting for the international aerospace, defense, industrial and general mechanical markets, with an expertise that is acclaimed by its customers. PRECIMETAL sales in 2016 were €14.6 million. The company is located in Seneffe, (Belgium) with a staff of 122.

Source :

https://www.lisi-group.com/telechargement/en/2017/communique-cession-PFP-02-02-2017_en.pdf

Sidenor asegura que negocia ya la venta de la gran forja de Reinosa

La dirección de la compañía se reunió ayer con el comité de empresa e informó de que hay varios interesados, entre ellos fábricas del sector y fondos de inversión. No es una novedad, pero ayer quedó fijado como la estrategia definitiva de Sidenor para la fábrica de Reinosa: se está negociando ya con varios grupos interesados la venta de la división de gran forja, que agrupa a las piezas fundidas, forjadas y los cilindros y que proporciona empleo en la fábrica campurriana a 500 trabajadores de los actuales 620 (el resto está adscrito a laminación).

Ese es el mensaje que ayer transmitieron los principales ejecutivos del grupo y de la factoría campurriana, encabezados por el director general corporativo Marco Pineda, al comité de empresa de la fábrica en el transcurso de una reunión extraordinaria.

No es la primera vez que Sidenor anuncia su estrategia –ya lo hizo durante la primera entrevista que mantuvo Jainaga con el Gobierno de Cantabria– pero es en la que más claramente la ha concretado. Según sus directivos, la búsqueda de un socio explora todas las posibilidades posibles: tecnológico o financiero, parcial o total y avanza con contactos ya establecidos con empresas y grupos interesados.

Durante el encuentro, y según ha informado el comité de empresa a los trabajadores, los directivos aseguraron que la mejor opción sería un socio financiero total al que se le vendería el área de gran forja campurriana. Pero se está abierto a todas las opciones, lo que incluye un socio tecnológico y con participación parcial, un fondo de inversión, una alianza entre fabricantes del sector, una sociedad con clientes o, incluso, un socio institucional.

Esta última opción es la que se negocia durante estas últimas semanas con Sodercán y, en paralelo, con el Gobierno vasco. En el caso del Gobierno de Cantabria está sobre la mesa la entrada de la sociedad pública cántabra, con una participación relevante, en una nueva compañía que se crearía con los activos de la gran forja de Reinosa.

Laminación primero

A lo largo de toda la reunión, celebrada en la mañana del viernes, quedó claro que el grupo dirigido por José Antonio Jainaga tiene el foco del negocio en el sector de los aceros especiales y la laminación, que aglutina el 93% de su actividad actual, mientras que las grandes piezas, que se fabrican exclusivamente en Reinosa, representan únicamente el 7% y, además, no atraviesan un momento boyante en cuanto a pedidos. Esa es la razón fundamental de la operación de venta que, además, se pretende efectuar a corto plazo.

Ambas divisiones atraviesan una crisis de producción y pedidos, aunque de distintas dimensiones. La producción de aceros especiales ha caído un 58% desde el año 2009 al 2015 y el precio de venta se ha reducido en un 25% en ese mismo periodo, lo que ha llevado a una reducción de los márgenes de beneficio como consecuencia directa también del aumento de la competencia en el sector. La caída de los precios del petróleo y de las inversiones en el sector han repercutido en la actividad y, ahora, la cierta recuperación que se aprecia también tienen efectos positivos, de tal manera que las previsiones adelantadas ayer por Sidenor son de mantenimiento e incluso mejoría de la actividad y aumento de los precios de venta y la facturación

Queda por dilucidar la posible concentración de laminación en la fábrica de Reinosa o en la de Azcoitia si no repuntan lo suficiente los encargos. Los directivos aprovecharon la reunión para recordar en este sentido que Azcoitia tiene ratios más competitivos de Reinosa en aspectos como los costes de logística.

Las mejores perspectivas en laminación no se repiten en gran forja. En este sentido, los directivos de Sidenor fueron claros al asegurar que no hay visos de mejora, una situación que se agrava en el grupo al no tener el ‘paraguas’ de una multinacional con recursos propios para amortiguar la crisis del sector, además de ser una empresa nueva y de dimensión local.

Además, ayer Sidenor también dejó claro que su intención es que las futuras inversiones, algunas ya anunciadas, se destinarán al grueso de su negocio, es decir laminación y aceros especiales.

Tras finalizar la reunión, los miembros del comité de empresa acordaron solicitar reuniones tanto al Gobierno regional como a las autoridades locales de la comarca para informales de la situación y pedir el apoyo, una vez más, para la fábrica de Reinosa. Una vez que se celebren esas reuniones, se convocará una asamblea general de trabajadores en la fábrica para explicar la situación de la empresa y las conversaciones mantenidas con las diferentes instituciones.

Source :

http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/economia/201703/04/sidenor-asegura-negocia-venta-20170304075948.html

The post Sidenor Considering Selling Reinosa forging Facility (US) appeared first on FRANCE-METALLURGIE.

La Société nationale de fer et de l’acier (Feraal) et l’entreprise chinoise Sinosteel equipment & engineering ont signé lundi à Alger un protocole d’accord de réalisation des études de préfaisabilité et de faisabilité des investissements de développement du gisement de fer de Gara-Djebilet (Tindouf).

Le document a été paraphé par le directeur général de Feraal, Ahmed Benabbas, et celui de Sinosteel, Wang Jian, en présence du ministre de l’Industrie et des mines, Abdessalem Bouchouareb, et de l’ambassadeur de Chine à Alger, Yang Guangyu. Déjà présente à Bellara (Jijel) et à Oran, Sinosteel est une entreprise étatique chinoise fondée en 1993, activant principalement dans l’exploitation minière, la fabrication d’équipements et l’ingénierie, et est le 2ème importateur chinois de minerai de fer.
Ces études de préfaisabilité et de faisabilité devraient être prêtes à fin 2017 et porteront sur l’ensemble des aspects de la mise en exploitation du gisement, a expliqué M. Bouchouareb.

Il s’agit de trouver “le meilleur compromis entre les investissements nécessaires pour l’extraction, le traitement et le transport du minerai jusqu’à sa livraison aux clients en Algérie ou à l’étranger, et les investissements à prévoir, en parallèle, pour la réalisation des infrastructures et pour assurer la disponibilité de l’ensemble des utilités dans la région, ainsi que l’impact économique, environnemental et social de ces investissements et de l’exploitation”, a-t-il souligné.

Le contrat couvre également la réalisation par des centres de recherche en Chine des essais de déphosphoration et d’enrichissement sur quatre (4) procédés distincts, a expliqué le ministre rappelant que les laboratoires algériens ont pu atteindre en 2015 un taux de déphosphoration avoisinant 0,1%.

Sur la base de ces études et essais, Feraal compte réaliser en 2018 une usine-pilote permettant de démontrer la fiabilité du procédé de traitement retenu et de déterminer tous les paramètres de fonctionnement du projet d’exploitation industrielle du minerai de Gara-Djebilet qui sera lancé entre 2021 et 2022.

A ce propos, M. Bouchouareb a considéré que pour l’Algérie, la valorisation de ce minerai de fer était à la fois stratégique et un défi, soulignant que ce projet permettra de placer l’Algérie en tant que “leader” de l’industrie sidérurgique et métallurgique à l’échelle continentale en se dotant d’une plateforme de production de taille internationale.

Un «hub métallurgique »

L’exploitation du gisement de fer de Gara-Djebilet permettra aussi à l’Algérie de devenir un “hub métallurgique” stimulant de nouveaux bassins d’emplois. A cet égard, les premières estimations font ressortir un potentiel de création de 4.800 emplois directs et de 14.500 indirects aussi bien au niveau de la mine, des installations industrielles, des annexes que des infrastructures, a-t-il avancé.

Qualifiant ces études de phase cruciale et déterminante pour l’avenir de ce projet, le ministre a affirmé que la partie algérienne serait “extrêmement exigeante et vigilante sur le respect des délais et la qualité des études”.

En marge de cette cérémonie, le directeur général de Feraal a expliqué à la presse que ces études permettraient de définir avec précision le niveau des réserves dans ce gisement, leurs caractéristiques ainsi que les meilleures méthodes de leur exploitation.

Il s’agit donc d’études réalisées selon les normes internationales, qui seront reconnues à l’échelle internationale, ce qui facilitera par la suite l’obtention des financements auprès des banques algériennes et étrangères, a avancé M. Benabbas.

 Découvert dans les années 50, le gisement de Gara-Djebilet offre des réserves minières estimées entre 1 et 2 milliards de tonnes, avec une teneur en fer de près de 57%, selon d’anciennes études.

Par ailleurs, M. Bouchouareb a fait savoir que le Conseil des participations de l’Etat (CPE) tiendrait prochainement une réunion pour la validation de plusieurs projets d’investissements. Il s’agit, entre autres, d’un projet de transformation de phosphate d’une capacité de production de 6 millions de tonnes annuellement, qui sera réalisé par un groupement algéro-chinois à travers la conclusion d’un pacte d’actionnaires.

Source :

http://www.maghrebemergent.com/actualite/maghrebine/70711-algerie-le-gisement-de-fer-de-gara-djebilet-soumis-a-l-etude-du-chinois-sinosteel.html

The post Algérie – Le gisement de fer de Gara-Djebilet soumis à l’étude du chinois Sinosteel (FR) appeared first on FRANCE-METALLURGIE.

Luucchini Rs rafforza il suo posizionamento nel settore degli acciai per utensili, integrandosi a valle nel settore delle vendita e della distribuzione e si avvia a chiudere il 2016 con un risultato netto positivo, che conferma le ottime performance degli esercizi precedenti. L’azienda siderurgica di Lovere (Bg) controllata dalla famiglia Lucchini (è l’unica realtà dell’omonimo gruppo che, dopo il commissariamento Bondi e il passaggio a Severstal è rimasta di proprietà dalla famiglia bresciana) ha comunicato di avere perfezionato l’acquisizione, da Acciai Brianza, del ramo di azienda Euras. Si tratta di un centro servizi a Desio (Mb), che si occupa di attività di lavorazioni meccaniche, di vendita e distribuzione di acciai per utensili.

Gli acciai per utensili vengono forgiati nello stabilimento Lucchini RS di Lovere e Lucchini Tool Steel li rende idonei alla vendita tramite lavorazioni specialistiche a freddo. Questi prodotti sono caratterizzati da una qualità dell’acciaio particolarmente elevata e sono destinati alla produzione di stampi per l’estrusione, la pressofusione e lo stampaggio della plastica, principalmente nel settore automotive.

«Abbiamo acquisito questa attività da un nostro cliente storico, con il quale collaboriamo da anni nel segmento degli acciai speciali – spiega Roberto Forcella, direttore commerciale dell’azienda -. Il mercato oggi richiede capacità distributiva e competitività nei prezzi, ma sempre di più, anche una forte solidità finanziaria, un’ampia gamma di prodotti sia in qualità che in dimensioni e una assistenza tecnica sempre disponibile alle necessità dei nostri clienti». Per questo motivo, quest’ultima acquisizione «è stata l’occasione di avvicinarci ancor di più alle esigenze della nostra clientela – prosegue il manager -, mettendo a disposizione non solo prodotti al top della qualità, ma anche una cooperazione tecnica di primo livello che solo un grande produttore può direttamente svolgere».

L’acquisizione, spiega Lucchini Rs in una nota, si inserisce nella strategia industriale dell’azienda, che prevede un piano di consolidamento e rafforzamento della divisione forgiati e fusi, avviata dopo l’acquisizione di Lucchini Mamè Forge di Cividate Camuno. «Ad oggi – spiega l’azienda – il gruppo è in grado di produrre una vasta gamma di pezzi forgiati o fusi sia in termini di qualità che di dimensioni e destinazioni d’uso, potendo contare su una moderna acciaieria dedicata e su competenze tecniche accumulate in decenni di attività».

Il gruppo, attivo nel settore ferroviario (produzione e vendita di ruote, assili e sale montate) e nel comparto dei prodotti d’acciaio forgiati e fusi, controlla sei siti industriali in Europa (Inghilterra, Svezia, Polonia, Austria, Belgio e Sud Africa), una in Italia (Lucchini Mamè Forge in provincia di brescia), oltre a due commerciali in Cina e in India e una joint venture, sempre in Cina. I dipendenti sono in tutto 2.156, di cui 633 all’estero. Nel 2015 il fatturato è stato di 393 milioni, per un utile netto di 53 milioni (anche il risultato 2016 si preannuncia positivo).

Source :

http://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/impresa-e-territori/2017-04-05/lucchini-rs-si-rafforza-nell-acciaio-utensili-e-fa-shopping-brianza-094118.shtml?uuid=AEznpnz

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Kobe Steel will partner with a major American aluminum producer to supply the Japanese company’s processing plants in China and elsewhere, bolstering output of the metal for use in automobiles as a lightweight steel alternative. The metals maker is expected to invest 30 billion yen to 40 billion yen ($263 million to $350 million) as soon as this year in a plant to be spun off as a separate entity by the South Korean unit of Novelis, the world’s No. 2 aluminum producer. Materials made there will be sent to Kobe Steel factories in China for final processing and sold to customers such as autoparts makers in that country. The plan could be announced as soon as Wednesday. Kobe Steel’s aluminum plant in Moka, Tochigi Prefecture, has supplied the Chinese factories until now. The Tochigi site will receive a roughly 20 billion yen upgrade to boost production capacity, targeted for completion in 2020. This upgrade and the South Korean tie-up together at 50 billion yen to 60 billion yen represent one of the largest investments ever by a Japanese maker of aluminum materials in processing operations. Demand for aluminum is expected to grow more than 5% annually as increasingly strict environmental regulations worldwide spur the metal’s inclusion in automobiles. Aluminum is about one-third as dense as steel, allowing cars to be roughly 50% lighter but carry the same strength. At present, the metal typically accounts for only 10% or so of a vehicle’s mass, owing to its high cost several times that of steel. But some predict the average amount of aluminum in a given vehicle could climb 60% above the 2011 level by 2025.

European and American automakers are leading the way in this regard. Ford Motor’s mainstay F-series pickup trucks now feature a body made largely of aluminum alloy. The metal is making particular strides in larger vehicles, where weight reductions yield major payoffs in terms of fuel economy.

Kobe Steel is Japan’s third-largest steelmaker, behind Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal and JFE Holdings. The manufacturer, looking to make the most of its nonferrous-metals business, is looking to strengthen its operations in nonferrous materials such as aluminum.

Novelis and compatriot Alcoa lead the world in aluminum materials, each commanding a market share topping 10%. Japan’s UACJ ranks a distant third, with around 5%, and Kobe Steel follows far behind.

Source :

http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Deals/Kobe-Steel-partners-with-Novelis-to-enlarge-aluminum-ops

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