ArcelorMittal Liege (MT) has informed the local works council of its plan to permanently close several additional assets owing to a further weakening of the European economy and the resultant low demand for its products.
On October 14, 2011, ArcelorMittal Liege reported its intention to permanently idle the liquid phase due to structural over-capacity in Northern Europe. As per the flexible model, rejected by unions, these lines would have operated at between 0 and 100% depending on market demand, the company noted. Regrettably, since October 2011, the economic outlook has further deteriorated. European steel demand fell by a further 8 - 9% in 2012 and is currently 29% below pre-crisis levels.
In order to respond to these structural market changes and further adapt to the reality of demand in Europe, the company therefore proposed that the following six flexible lines need to be closed: The hot strip mill in Chertal, One of the two cold rolling flows in Tilleur, Galvanisation lines 4 and 5 in Flémalle, and Electrogalvanizing lines HP3 and 4 in Marchin.
Separately, organic coating line 2 in Ramet would be maintained only as a repairing line for the Combiline products. Further, the company proposed that the coke plant, which is no longer viable due to the excess supply of coke in Europe, also be permanently closed.
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