BlueScope Steel launches new painting facility

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Private-owned flat steel manufacturer PT BlueScope Steel Indonesia launched on Monday its new A$7.94 million (US$6.07 million) paint line, which will increase its capacity to 55,000 tons annually from 25,000 tons.

BlueScope Steel Indonesia president Rob Crawford said the investment in the new flat steel paint line at the company's operations in Cilegon, Banten, was aimed at giving better service to customers.

The company also announced on the same day, the change of its name to PT BlueScope Steel Indonesia from the previous PT BHP Steel Indonesia, following approval from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.

The choice of the new company name, Crawford said, was in accordance with its aim to grow the business.

"Blue is associated with our heritage... with clear skies, wide horizons and a bright future. Scope suggests an opportunity, action, and an ability to grow and develop in new directions," he said.

The company was previously a joint venture between Australia's Bluescope Steel Ltd and state-owned steel maker PT Krakatau Steel. But the former now owns a 100 percent stake in the company, from 74 percent, after investing A$20 million last year.

PT BlueScope Steel Indonesia also has an affiliate called PT BlueScope Lysaght Indonesia, which manufactures and supplies metallic-coated and pre-painted cladding and roofing accessories.