Apr. 07, 2020
Nippon Steel Corporation
Nippon Steel Corporation has been lowering the tapping ratio of blast furnaces,
extending the time between blasting, and taking other measures to reduce overall steel output volume.
Responding to the immediate sharp drop in demand for steel products, however, we have decided to implement
additional measures as follows:
1. Blast furnace banking, etc.
-The banking* of the No. 1 blast furnace at the East Nippon Works’ Kashima area will be carried out
from the middle of April 2020, as soon as preparations are completed.
-The banking* of the No. 1 blast furnace at the Kansai Works’ Wakayama area will also be carried out
from late April 2020, as soon as preparations are completed.
* Banking is to take measures to temporarily stop blast furnace production but make it possible to restart
production at a later date by stopping the air blast flow.
Concerning coke ovens, in accordance with the reduction in blast furnace tapping volume, we will adjust or
suspend production of some of coke ovens at the East Nippon Works’ Kashima area and Kimitsu area,
and the Kansai Works’ Wakayama area, in addition to a substantial reduction of their operating
rates, which has already been executed.
2. Temporary off-days for employees
As one measure that contributes to maintaining employment, each of Nippon Steel’s offices,
manufacturing bases, and R&D Laboratories will basically close for about two days per month from April
2020, while maintaining bare minimum operation, and each employee will have two temporary off-days per
month.
We intend to continue responding to changes in steel demand in Japan and overseas and carrying out prompt
and effective production adjustment.
For inquiries
Public Relations Center Tel: +81-3-6867-2135, 2146, 2977, 3419
