ArcelorMittal’s heavy plate, wire rod and rail mill operation in Gijon has been temporarily halted to carry out the modifications announced by the steelmaker in late November, Kallanish learns from sources in the industry.

The works at the operation’s rail mill are expected to start on 7 January and will enable the plant to produce rails up to 108 metres in length. The company is also expected to complete the installation of a new ultrasonic device for flaw detection by the end of January.

The revamp plan was publicised by the company in June 2015, when the group announced a major investment package amounting to €100 million ($107m) to modernise its operations in Gijon and Aviles.