History
CST, the world's largest producer of steel semi-finished products, was established in June, 1976 as a State controlled joint-venture, with minority ownership of the Kawasaki group, from Japan and the Ilva group (former Finsider), from Italy. However, only in November, 1983 did its operation begin.
During this period, CST has established and reinforced its leadership in the market, undergoing deep transformations, which have been intensified since its privatization in 1992. From then on, the Company has been under the control of national and foreign groups.
With an investment program - especially oriented at technological updating - of about US$ 1.8 billion up to 2002, CST has been increasing and enhancing its production mix, in addition to accomplishing operational and environmental improvements.
In 2002, the Company diversified its production by implementing the Hot Strip Mill (HSM), which incorporates the latest technology available in the market. In 2004, by concluding the assembly of Thermoelectric Central 4 (TC 4), CST consolidated the optimization of its production to 5 million tons/year (slabs and coils). The assembly of TC4 has also assured CST's energy self-sufficiency, even with HSM operation.
The Expansion Plan aiming at producing 7.5 million tons/year began in 2003, and was announced to society with the presence of the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A total of US$ 1 billion will be invested, with the implementation of new industrial units targeting the recovery of the international market of steel slabs. The publication of the first Environmental Report audited in Brazil, as well as the Certification of employees by ABM (Brazilian Metallurgy and Materials Society) in the National Program of Certification for Operators (PNQC), should also be highlighted in 2003.
CST's expansion works, which involve high technology and an efficient environmental control system, began in 2004. In addition, with the start-ups of Thermoelectric Central 4 and the Gas Recovery System, 2004 also brought the consolidation of the energy model.
Arcelor Brasil was created in October, 2005. The result of the unification of Companhia Siderúrgica Belgo Mineira, CST and Vega do Sul, Arcelor Brasil was born with the head start of being one of the greatest industrial groups in Brazil, with annual production capacity of 11 million tons of steel. Following the same pace of growth, CST was granted the Certification of the Safety and Health Management System, according to the OHSAS 18001 standard.
In June 2006, as a result of the merger between Arcelor and Mittal, Arcelor and its subsidiaries became part of the ArcelorMittal Group.
EXPANSION 7.5 Million tons/year
The Expansion of ArcelorMittal Tubarão started its operation in 2007. With a US$ 1 billion investment, new productive units were built, which increased the production capacity from 5 to 7.5 million tons of steel a year - slabs and coiled hot-rolled strips - regaining the company's participation in the international iron and steel market.
Siderúrgica produtora de placas de aço, aços planos, bobinas e laminados a quente.
