OREANDA-NEWS. February 17, 2010. Steel output of Zhlobin-based Belarusian Metallurgical Plant (BMZ) amounted to 2.33 million tonnes in January-December 2009, down 0.9% on the year, an official with the plant told.

Wire output amounted to 169,693 tonnes, down 19% year-on-year.

Metal cord output went down 28.6% to 68,951 tonnes. Steel cord output rose 0.5% to 129,325 tonnes.

BMZ’s overall output decreased 4.7% on the year in January-December to 2.29 million tonnes.

Total sales increased 5.8% on the year to 1.878 million tonnes. Rolled stock sales increased 11.2% to 1.593 million tonnes, and pipe sales rose 27.2% to 47,424 tonnes.

State company Belarusian Metallurgical Plant was launched in 1984. BMZ exports about 85% of its output. Non-CIS countries account for more than 70% of the BMZ’s exports.