The top managers of Zaporizhstal steel mill, part of Metinvest Group, and Siemens Ukraine have discussed prospects for cooperation as a part of a fundamental reconstruction of the enterprise, reads a press release of the mill issued on Tuesday.

The press release says that the meeting of Zaporizhstal Director General Rostyslav Shurma with Siemens Ukraine CEO Cornelius Granig was devoted to the discussion of new technologies and prospects of tighter cooperation and urgent issues on current projects.

"We've invested over UAH 560 million in a fundamental modernization of the mill. At present, we're working on projects for the construction of a new acid treatment line, the future replacement of open-hearth furnaces to a converter and building of new gas purification unit for sinter machine two. The large-scale and comprehensive modernization of Zaporizhstal is possible only with the application of advanced technologies, and we need the best options and offers for technologies and equipment both from foreign and Ukrainian partners," the press service said, citing Shurma.

In turn, the CEO of Siemens Ukraine said that metal industry is a top-priority sector both for Ukraine and the Siemens Concern.

"We're glad to see how investment in the modernization of this key industry is growing and how this directly influences Ukraine's successes in the future. Siemens, namely Siemens Metals Technologies, is a leader of global innovations in the metal sector. We have a good experience of work with Metinvest: several large-scale projects at the group's enterprises have been realized," Granig said.

The press release reminds that a large-scale modernization is being carried out at Zaporizhstal. It aims to achieve modern, effective and environmental friendly production. Taking into account the Metinvest Group's orientation to the introduction of new technologies and application of best world's practices, many famous foreign and Ukrainian companies offer their best technologies to the mill.

Zaporizhstal in January-July 2013 increased rolled steel output by 3.3% year-over-year, to 1.863 million tonnes, and steel output by 1.3%, to 2.208 million tonnes.

In 2012, the company increased cast iron production by 5.1% on 2011, to 3.194 million tonnes, steel smelting fell by 0.7%, to 3.785 million tonnes and shipment of rolled steel also decreased by 0.7%, to 3.149 million tonnes.

Zaporizhstal produces hot- and cold-rolled sheet from carbon, low-alloyed, alloyed and stainless steels.

Zaporizhstal is being integrated into Metinvest Group, the key shareholders of which are SCM with 71.25% and Smart-holding with 23.75%.