Mexinox to install bright annealing line

Mexican stainless steel producer ThyssenKrupp Mexinox will start installing a bright annealing line next year in time for a first quarter 2006 operational start, company projects director Ricardo Proal told BNamericas. Mexinox, the Mexican unit of German stainless steel maker ThyssenKrupp Steel AG, will transfer the disused line to Mexico from Europe. Installment will supplement three annealing-pickling lines, expanding cold rolling capacity to 250,000t/y from 215,000t/y. As part of the stainless steel production process, cold-strip steel is heat-treated in the inert gas atmosphere of the bright annealing line for high surface-requirements, creating a shiny surface to the metal. The line includes a gas-fired muffle furnace, and Mexinox will later install equipment to help lower production costs. "Otherwise, we would start the project mid-year," Proal said. "The product's demand has not grown much in Europe over the past few years - it has remained stable," he said when asked why Mexinox is moving the line. Mexinox will sell the majority of product to the US, while Mexican demand remains low. San Luis Potosí state-based Mexinox says it is Mexico's only stainless steel producer.