Russia’s Vyksa Steel Works (VSW) has completed the Rbs 1.4 billion ($22.2 million) modernisation of its No 2 electric weld pipe shop after commissioning the last of three high-frequency welded pipe mills, Kallanish learns from the firm. Production capacity at the site has consequently risen 30% to 290,000 tonnes/year.

The investment has also expanded VSW’s range of pipe to include different types of hollow sections. The upgraded plant is expected to ramp up to full capacity by end-September. The No 2 shop produces water and gas line pipe, as well as pipe for the construction industry. It produced 166,000t in 2014, up 5% year-on-year.

VSW is part of Russian flat steel and pipemaker United Metallurgical Company (OMK). Another OMK subsidiary, the Casting and Rolling Complex (CRC) has modernised its combined cutter-slitter unit for rolled steel. The project will enhance the plant’s strip-making capacity in order to satisfy the needs of the pipe rolling shops of VSW.

The upgraded cutter-slitter can produce strip and rolled sheet 800-1,800mm wide and up to 12,800mm long. The unit will reach full output by April. “By modernising the equipment, we have ensured that CRC’s operation meets the demand [expectations of] VSW’s developing pipe workshops: [Namely], a demand for high-quality rolled metal to fulfill the orders of the largest oil and gas companies,” says CRC director Oleg Fedotov.

A third OMK subsidiary, Trubo-detal increased output of pipeline fittings 40% in 2014 to 18,600t. This is due to higher deliveries to Russian oil and gas companies constructing main pipelines, in particular, Gazprom and Transneft, says Trubo-detal managing director Andrey Korotkov.