TMKS.L Regulatory News (TMKS)

27 Dec 2007 07:58

OAO TMK27 December 2007 December 27, 2007 PRESS RELEASE First Batch of Test Pipes with Internal Smooth Coating Produced at Volzhsky PipePlant TMK announces today that new LD smooth internal pipe coating equipment isundergoing testing at its Volzhsky Pipe Plant (VTZ) subsidiary. With an annual capacity of 600,000 tpa, this new Bauhuis pipe coating equipmentwas especially designed for pipes with diameters ranging from 530 to 1420mm andwall thickness of up to 42mm. Commercial production and first shipments shouldbegin in the fist quarter of 2008. The installation of the Bauhuis pipe coatingline falls under TMK's Strategic Investment Programme, running up to 2010. While at first coating currently stocked pipes, this capacity will later beintegrated in a new 508-1420mm longitudinal-welded pipe mill with finishing andexterior coating lines. The completion of this new 650,000tpa mill is plannedfor the fourth quarter of 2008. These new TMK pipes with internal smooth coating were developed in cooperationwith Gazprom and are a result of the two companies' joint R&D programme. Thepipes are currently undergoing the necessary technical and field testing andwill later be certified by Gazprom. "This latest range of high-quality TMK tubular goods is primarily designed forthe construction of state-of-the-art pipelines. The use of the very latestprotective coating technology and equipment will enable us to cater to presentand future customer demands, particularly from oil and gas companies looking tolower energy costs by improving their pipeline flow dynamics," commentedKonstantin Semerikov, TMK's CEO. OAO "TMK" (www.tmk-group.com) Founded in 2001, TMK (LSE: TMKS) is the largest pipe producer in Russia and oneof the three global market leaders. In 2006, TMK sold approximately 3 million tonnes of pipes. TMK supplies tocompanies in more than 60 countries. TMK production facilities are located in Russia and Romania: • Volzhsky Pipe Plant; • Seversky Tube Works; • Taganrog Metallurgical Works; • Sinarsky Pipe Plant; • Orsky Machine Building Plant; • Truboplast pipe coating company • SC TMK-ARTROM SA; • SC TMK-Resita SA. For further information please contact: TMK PR Department: Sergey Ilin Tel: +7 495 775 7600 ext. 2149 Email: pr@tmk-group.com Or visit: www.tmk-group.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange