Mexican integrated steelmaker Altos Hornos de México (Ahmsa) has launched maintenance works on its hot strip line in Monclova, Coahuila state, after closing 2013 with a record production of 2.6 million mt of steel strip, according to local media reports.

The company is planning to invest MXN 100 million ($7.63 million) in the maintenance works to ensure the availability of all equipment for continuous operation during 2014 of the hot strip line and the steel unit which produces hot rolled steel.

The maintenance works starting on Monday, January 6, will take 10 days and will include the maintenance of slab reheating furnaces, the universal tandem mill, cooling systems and the general maintenance of the production equipment.