The Votorantim Siderurgia plant in Resende will come on stream as of 21st of September, less than two years after construction began. On last 11th of September, the Rolling area was inaugurated and on the coming 18th of September the Finishing area will be inaugurated. The fourth and last step of the project will be commemorated on the 22nd of October, after termination of the three areas, Furnace, Rolling and Finishing.

Using modern concepts of environmental sustainability, the Steel mill will raise VS to new levels in the steel making industry. "We can hardly wait to get started, the machinery has been tested since July", states the Furnace manager, Alexandre Mendonça, who is coordinating a team of one hundred employees. According to Claudio Monteiro, the manager of Rolling and Finishing, all the sector's machines are complete and the 48 employees are helping to assemble them

The start-up of the new plant signifies more than just a target met: its conception, during a year of crisis, goes to show that those responsible for the project and the employees involved are prepared to overcome challenges. “We work as a team. When we really believe that we are going to reach a goal, we do so”, comments the general manager of Projects and Expansion, Jose Roberto Piagentini.

Stock and products
According to managing director, Alberto Cunha, the amount of scrap iron in stock is enough to begin production. "The Metals area is taking care of the details so that at this time everything is running smoothly and as much under control as possible", he states.

In September, the Resende plant will already produce I and U type beams, wire rod, flats and steel bars for reinforced concrete (CA-50 and CA-60).