Watania Steel (WS) aims to expand production by
adding new products to its existing portfolio. The Riyadh-based steelmaker will
commission a 500,000 tonnes/year rebar and wire rod mill adjacent to its
current production facility. This follows almost a year of extensive studies on
Saudi Arabia’s demand trends and new product introduction.
Following commissioning, WS will exceed 750,000 t/y
of rebar and wire rod capacity. Finished product is supplied to meet the
ever-growing demand of Saudi Arabia as well as its neighbouring countries. The
wire rod mill, equipped with the latest automation features, can roll wire rod
sizes from 5.5mm to 16mm diameters and rebar in coil of 8-12mm, the firm
tells Kallanish.
The new mill is expected to commence
commercial production by the fourth quarter of 2023.
“Our expansion is a strategic decision to support
and sustain our long-term goal. We strive to compete with steel manufacturing
leaders and commit to high standards of quality and superiority by delivering
continuous improvements to drive production performance,” comments Watania
Steel co-founder and managing partner Jamil Al Saffaf.
WS was founded in 2008 to meet growing demand for
steel products used in the kingdom’s construction sector. The firm
produces billet and rebar ranging from 12-32mm in diameter, in grades 60
and 80. Ongoing modernisation and technical advancements allow WS to deliver
its finished products for multi mega projects such as Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya and
NEOM.