An all time high hot metal, crude steel and saleable steel production marked the completion of Q2, FY06 for Tata Steel. The second quarter production of hot metal at 1.32 mt, crude steel at 1.23 mt, and saleable steel at 1.21 mt, registered an impressive increase of 17%, 15%, and 14% respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

Most of the facilities planned under the 1 MTPA expansion project have been commissioned. The upgraded ‘G’ blast furnace has now stabilized and the Q2 production is as per the rated capacity. The cost has also started taking a downward trend due to the volume impact, advantages associated with operating large furnace and significant reduction in use of metallics.

The second quarter sales at 1.18 mt has recorded a notable increase of 14% as compared to corresponding period of last year. The initiative to enrich the product mix of Tata Steel continues to provide excellent results. The supplies, to the Auto Sector comprising CR and Galvanized products has gone up by 10% and 221% respectively as against those of the corresponding period of last year. The sale of branded products, Tata Shaktee (corrugated galvanized sheets) and Tata Steelium (cold rolled sheets) has witnessed an increase of 16% whereas sale of Tata TISCON has registered an increase of 15%, as compared to the second quarter of last year.

Commissioning trials of the new 600,000 t Bar Mill is progressing well. This mill will produce only rebars now, to cope with the increased demand of the construction and infrastructure sector. With the addition of this mill, the Tata Steel’s capacity to produce bars and wire rods will reach 1.75 mtpa.