OREANDA-NEWS. Zhlobin-based Belarusian Metallurgical Plant (BMZ) manufactured 13,986 tonnes of bead wire in January-May 2013, up 37.9% on the year.

The company found it possible to increase bead wire output after they upgraded their bead wire manufacturing facility in 2012. As a result of the upgrade, the annual bead wire capacity of BMZ grew 15.78%.

The new facility turns out bead wire with a diameter of 1.0 mm - a basic material for manufacturing tyres of passenger cars.

The project, which claimed USD 5 million in investments, is expected to pay back in 5.5 years.

The new equipment was supplied by Italy's М+Е and SIRIO WIRE.

The major consumers of bead wire in 2013 are GoodYear, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Nokian, Bridgestone (1.26mm), Yokohama (1.20mm, Lipetsk-based factory).

BMZ shipped 15,679 tonnes of bead wire in Jan-May 2013, up 39%.

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.