USCO restarts operations at Stainless Steel Mill

Hidd : United Stainless Steel Company (USCO), the Middle East’s first and only stainless steel mill, has announced that it is now fully operational after completing the plant technical maintenance and upgrade.

High quality stainless steel products will be processed at the Hidd-based cold rolling mill and shipped to customers both in the GCC and worldwide. The 100,000 ton per year cold roll steel mill will include a premium product range, with items such as wide and slit coils and stainless steel sheets.

USCO has entered into a production and sales agreement with Swiss company, Chromiumtrade SA, whereby the latter will procure the necessary raw materials, manage operations and sell the end products to its customers. USCO expects to gradually ramp up production to around 8,000 tons per month over the next 12 months. USCO stainless steel will be used for a range of products, including decoration, pharmaceuticals, home appliances and automotive industries.

Speaking at the resumption of operations, USCO’s Chairman, Sheikh Khaled Salem Al Sabah said, “Over the last year we have made a significant investment to upgrade the mill to make its operations more eco-friendly and to restart operations. Since then we have successfully carried out the hot and cold commission tests and we are happy to note that the quality of end products from the mill meets international quality standards. We have now handed over the mill to Chromiumtrade, who will be managing the operations.”

USCO’s workforce currently includes over 50 employees of which Bahrainis comprise 56%. The workforce will need to be tripled in size when the plant is running 24/7. This will also include team members from Tamkeen’s graduate program. 

Francesco Ruffo di Calabria, CEO of Chromiumtrade SA, stated, “Chromiumtrade has been active in the stainless steel market for more than 30 years. Today Chromiumtrade is a key player in the stainless steel sector globally. We will selectively channel the USCO products to a reliable and stable customer base. The superior quality seen so far will certainly simplify our distribution efforts. “

USCO is wholly owned by Foulath, a holding company established in 2008, as an investment vehicle primarily focused on investing in the growth of the steel industry in the GCC and MENA region.