The rolling mill at JSW’s Italian plant in Piombino has come to a standstill

The rail mill at JSW Steel’s Italian subsidiary in Piombino has been completely shut down since 16 July due to serious technical faults. According to trade union representatives, both engines have broken down: one had broken down previously and had never been repaired, whilst the other broke down a few days ago. This was reported by Corriere Livornese.

Due to a chronic lack of proper maintenance, the plant’s workers have planned a strike for Saturday and Sunday. The workforce’s main demand is the development and implementation of a scheduled maintenance programme before production resumes.

The rail mill is a key asset of the company, which supplies products to Italy’s state-owned railway operator, Ferrovie dello Stato. Following JSW’s acquisition of the asset from its previous owner, Cevital, production of wire rod and long products at the site was permanently halted.

The company’s management expects to restart the line on Monday following a quick temporary repair. However, trade union representatives point out that, due to the weekend strike, a restart within this timeframe is unlikely.

A joint statement by the Fim, Fiom and Uilm trade unions emphasises that the risk of breakdown had existed for some time due to the excessive use of the equipment. Despite assurances from the company’s vice-president, Marco Carrai, that all issues had been resolved, and promises from the managing director, Vinay Tiwari, to limit production rates in order to preserve the mill’s lifespan, no systematic measures were taken.

As reported by GMK Center, Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development (Mimit) has reached an agreement with JSW on the revitalisation of the historic steelworks in Piombino. A framework agreement was signed by JSW Steel Italy, Piombino Logistics and other relevant state and municipal institutions. The document sets out a joint framework for implementing the site’s industrial plan and ensuring full employment for workers. In the document, JSW also undertook to modernise the rolling mill.