The aim of the Hot Strip Mill Capacity Increase Project (HSMCIP) was to install a second slab reheating furnace to enable a minimum increase of 400,000 tonnes per annum, with out placing any restrictions on future increases in rolling capacity.The existing capacity was 2.6 million tonnes per annum.

Scope of Services
Hatch was engaged by BlueScope Steel to supply key personnel for an integrated team that undertook:

• The Pre-Feasibility Study to develop a preliminary Scope of Works to achieve the required increase in capability using the latest technologies, integrated into the existing hot strip mill infrastructure
• Development of a Scope of Work / Budget / Program / Business Sensitivity Case for the Capital Expenditure Request Submission to the BlueScope Steel Board
• Implementation of the Scope of Works – principally in the areas of: commercial and contract management, cost and procurement control, customs and quarantine for off shore supplies, scheduling and programming, site control, supervision and safety management, quality control of supplied equipment and installation protocols & standards, liaison with operation and maintenance groups, and earthworks design.

Project Highlights

• The works were completed on schedule and on budget
• A new Hot Strip Mill production record was achieved on day five of commissioning
• Alternative designs on waste gas stack configuration led to significant savings in time and cost, and alternative designs for furnace installations improved reliability, accessibility and functionality
• The Hatch team was praised by the client for its ability to integrate as a single proactive team with a common goal of meeting the budget, schedule and providing a world-class facility to the BlueScope Steel team
• There were no days lost due to industrial action

Project Safety
A mentoring culture was encouraged with regards to safety, including safety forums with all site contractors at each major construction step. Employees of construction contractors took their learnings to their next site(s). Of 500,000 man-hours worked on site, the project experienced two lost time injuries and five medically treated injuries. There were no environmental issues. Key milestones – safety performance, achievements, initiatives, awards.