MMK Group Continues to Develop New Range of Coated Rolled Products
In March 2022, Lysvensky Metallurgical Plant (LMZ, part of MMK Group) launched commercial production of rolled products using the latest generation of coatings: an anti-graffiti coating, which effectively protects against vandalism, and an anti-bacterial coating to protect against microorganisms. They are in demand in construction, facade and sandwich panel production, including the finishing of medical facilities and equipment.
In addition, the company has mastered the production of rolled products with polyurethane textured coating and polyester textured coating of increased elasticity designed for the production of complex elements such as gutter systems.
MMK's LMZ also continues to further develop medium- and large-textured rolled products. In 2021 it sold 1,600 tonnes of such rolled products. At present, three colours of rolled products with a textured finish are currently available to consumers, and LMZ plans to expand the colour palette.
Mastering production of new types of steel with SteelArt decorative coating remains a promising area. The company produces 9 patterns of this brand of rolled products and expects to add to its offering 5 more patterns by the beginning of the construction season (two vintage patterns, "wenge" in two shades and "steel pearls", which look like stainless steel).
LMZ continues the development of rolled products for construction with an increase in yield strength requirements. Last year MMK sold 149,000 tonnes of coated construction steel rolled products with yield strength up to 350MPa (220-350, S220-350GD) designed for light steel thin-walled structures. The plan is to further improve the mechanical characteristics of rolled steel and to raise the yield strength to 390 MPa.
In 2021, MMK sold a record volume of high-tech coated steel, reaching 318,000 tonnes, an increase of 76% year-on-year from 181,000 tonnes in 2020. Total sales of coated steel amounted to almost 1.6 million tonnes in 2021.
Traditionally, more than 80% of sales were aimed at meeting the needs of domestic consumers, including about 60% of sales in the Urals, Volga and Siberian regions. Lysvensky Metallurgical Plant sold 282,000 tonnes of coated steel in 2021, with 90% of that volume supplied locally.
LMZ is one of the key assets of MMK Group. The production site in Lysva manufactures premium products that have no analogues in Russia. Given the high demand for MMK-LMZ's products, MMK's management pays great attention to the further development of the plant and sees significant potential and new opportunities in this business.