XEAL completes an investment to boost the safety and competitiveness of the Dumbría ferrosilicon furnaces.

CEE, OCTOBER 30, 2020.- Xallas Electricidad y Aleaciones, XEAL, has committed to an investment of 28 million euros between 2020 and 2024. To date, the company has completed, or is in the process of implementing, investments for six million euros focused on its four strategic axes: maximum commitment to safety in the performance of the activity of its workers; strict compliance with environmental regulations; a preventive culture for the long-term maintenance of assets; and greater competitive efficiency and effectiveness. 

In this sense, this week, XEAL finished the installation of a furnace opening machine in one of the ferrosilicon furnaces in Dumbría. The new asset allows this operation to be carried out at no risk to workers.

This machine is the first of three to be installed in the coming months in the ferrosilicon production furnaces at both plants.

The investment will also generate productivity improvements and cost savings in consumables used and helps to improve long-term competitiveness. The company has continued with its investment plan, despite the difficult situation in the ferroalloy market.

María Couto, XEAL's CEO, stated that "our investment plan is a great financial challenge due to the difficult economic environment, but we are committed to carrying it out and, consequently, to improving safety in our plants, as well as our competitiveness in the market".

"We hope that demand for ferroalloys will gradually recover, but, unfortunately, the recovery is not likely to happen in the short term. There is no doubt that we will take advantage of the slightest opportunity that the market offers us to increase our production, although, in these difficult times, we must continue to improve our competitiveness".