Newcastle Works, located in the northern part of South Africa’s Kwa-ZuluNatalProvince, is the country’s foremost supplier of profile products.

This highly efficient and low cost operation, rated among the lowest billet cash-cost producer's in the world by a leading commodities research institute, bears testimony to the success of the intensive re-engineering programmes undertaken at ArcelorMittal South Africa.

The plant employs 1850 staff. Yearly, Newcastle Works produces

1.6 million tonnes of final product of which a fluctuating is exported to international markets.

The profile products produced include low and medium-carbon commercial grades, low-carbon rimming steel substitutes, sulphur containing free-cutting steels, micro-alloyed steels, high-carbon wire-rod steels and low, medium and high-alloy steels.

Sizeable capital expenditure has been invested for the extensive refurbishment of the plant and to introduce sophisticated information systems. This has optimised operations and sustained global competitiveness at all levels.

Newcastle Works’s strategic priorities revolve around expanding its strong position in the African market.

Growth of its present market share is being realised by providing customised attention to client requirements, enhanced delivery reliability and product quality.

Internationally, the focus of the operation has been to identify specific global locations where it can maximise export volume and price, and concomitantly reduce the risk of exposure to volatile markets abroad.

Successful implementation of re-engineering and continuous improvement programmes at the business unit has honed the business into a modern, internationally aligned operation.

The ISO 9002, 14001 and 18001 listed plant is an integrated operation that produces rolled steel from iron ore via a blast furnace route. The plant has three coke oven batteries, one sinter plant, one blast furnace, two basic oxygen furnaces and four rolling mills.