The company ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is actively working to increase production volumes with the goal of achieving breakeven. This was announced by CEO Mauro Longobardo during a meeting with local media representatives. According to him, two blast furnaces were launched at the plant at the end of March, and this operational mode is planned to be maintained until the end of 2025.
This is reported by Business • Media
Production Growth and Entry into the International Market
Almost a year ago, in 2024, the company successfully opened ports for exporting products, allowing the shipment of concentrate, pig iron, and finished products abroad.
“Last year, the plant increased pig iron production by 44% compared to the previous year — to 2.67 million tons,” noted Longobardo.
His words confirm the company’s commitment to ramping up production volumes to achieve breakeven, as this remains the primary goal. It is noted that ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is actively working to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the enterprise.
Challenges and Precautionary Measures
The CEO emphasized that the enterprise faces a number of challenges, particularly a serious shortage of personnel, which is partly due to mobilization processes. Currently, the employee quota fulfillment rate stands at 79%, but in the past, there have been critical situations with mass layoffs. New employees often lack sufficient professional experience, which negatively affects production efficiency.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the plant does not stop. And it does not stop. In this chaos of tariffs, politics, and personnel shortages — we remain with Ukraine and for Ukraine,” emphasized Mauro Longobardo.
He also reported that the operation of blast furnace No. 6 has been restored, which was halted in the fall of 2024 due to the market crisis and high electricity tariffs. ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih plans to return to its pre-war investment plans of $500 million annually after the war ends. According to Longobardo, this will open new opportunities for the development of Ukrainian business and attracting investments to the country.