Japan-based electric arc furnace producer Osaka Steel has announced plans to gradually resume finished steel shipments from its West Japan Kumamoto plant starting August 17, with production targeted to restart progressively from around mid-September. The facility was affected by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026. The Uto-based plant, described as southern Kyushu's only integrated electric arc furnace facility, specializes in the production of rebar, round bars and angles.
Although the facility had already been operating under scheduled summer maintenance when the earthquake occurred, subsequent inspections identified damage to buildings, cranes and certain equipment. According to the company's statement, all employees have been confirmed safe and have resumed work. Repairs are continuing in cooperation with equipment suppliers and contractors.
Osaka Steel noted that the restart schedule may change depending on aftershock activity and repair progress, while the financial impact of the incident remains under assessment. Source: SteelOrbis, published August 13, 2026
Source: steelorbis.com