ChelPipe and MMK join forces to create railcar fleet

In October 2010, ChelPipe contracted the Transmash Company to supply custom-made 18-meter strip carriers. The new design of the railway cars meets all the requirements of ChelPipe and MMK and allows transportation of 12- and 18-meter long steel plates. The first cars of this rolling stock were delivered to MMK and ChelPipe this year. At the moment ChelPipe operates forty-four 12-meter and forty-six 18-meter strip carriers of its own. MMK has forty 18-meter strip carriers in operation.

Through the end of 2011, Transmash will deliver 229 18-meter platforms to ChelPipe. The number of railway strip carriers owned by MMK will increase to 44 by the end of the year. Availability of the shared strip carrier fleet will make ChelPipe and MMK independent from shipping companies in terms of broad plate transportation and will save both companies over 20% in transportation costs. 

«Decision ChelPipe and MMK to create their joint rolling stock is a part of the general tendency in the Russian metallurgical industry. Today many metallurgical companies organize own railcar fleets to reduce logistical costs», - Leonid Khazanov, observer of Metal Supply and Sale Magazine, said.