By Howard Masaninga
Lancashire Steel, once a major wire-manufacturing company, is reportedly set to resume production this month after years of inactivity, with two production lines expected to come back online.
The company is initially expected to manufacture weld mesh and brick force, as it seeks to re-enter the market following years of stop-start efforts to revive its operations.
A source familiar with developments at the company, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing fears of victimisation, told The Public Eye that maintenance work had been underway for several weeks and that test runs had reportedly been conducted on some of the machinery.
The source said raw materials were already at the plant and indicated that management was satisfied with progress towards the planned restart.
“Everyone is excited and production is in the pipeline. Unfortunately, our bosses want everything to be done under wraps,” the source said.
The source said Lancashire Steel could benefit from improved access to wire rod supplied by the Chinese-backed Manhize Steel plant, as well as the Government’s push for import substitution.
Lancashire Steel’s operations were disrupted following the collapse of its major raw-material supplier, Ziscosteel.
Ziscosteel suspended operations in 2008 after being weighed down by reported debts of about US$340 million, cutting off Lancashire Steel’s supply of steel billets.
Lancashire Steel subsequently ceased operations in 2010 and has since been involved in prolonged efforts to revive the company.
The reported restart would mark a significant step in efforts to restore one of the country’s former key wire manufacturers to production.
