Posted on 18 Mar 2025
The Armenian-American GTB Steel rebar plant has started production in the Ararat community, Armenia’s president’s office has announced.
Plant representatives say production capacity is 112,800 tonnes/year, Kallanish notes. The plant employs 240 people, but this number is expected to increase to 500 within three years. Total investment amounted to $31 million. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the opening ceremony on Saturday.
The steel melting shop is equipped with an induction furnace, ladle refining furnace, and continuous casting machine. Hot-briquetted and/or direct reduced iron are combined with scrap in the induction furnace to ensure precise control over the steel chemistry.
According to the company, the produced A500C steel rebar is a great choice for reinforced concrete structures. “The textured surface helps it bond firmly with concrete, ensuring stability and strength. The alloying process enhances its density and flexibility, making it a durable and dependable option for construction needs,” it adds.
The company plans to process 12,000t of ferrous scrap annually at the new plant.
The plant also includes a 40,000 kVA transformer substation, a 110 kV overhead power line, and a new cell at the Ararat 2 station.
Previously, the plant was to be built in the Yeraskh community near the border with Azerbaijan, but due to constant shelling by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, it was decided to move production to Ararat in summer 2023 (see Kallanish passim).
GTB Steel was founded in 2022 and is a subsidiary of GTB Holdings, which is 50% owned by Nono Sargsyan.
Armenia imports rebar mostly from Russia, Ukraine and Iran.
Source:Kallanish
