PFP is forced to suspend production due to power grid’s damage

Pobuzhsky Ferronickel Plant (PFP) is forced to suspend production as a result of Russian missile attacks and global damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This is stated in the press release on the company’s website.

“On the morning of October 22, the military forces of the Russian Federation launched 3 missile strikes on an energy facility that provided power to the PFP, as well as a number of settlements in the Kirovohrad and Mykolaiv regions. As a result of the missile attack and global damage to the power grid, the company has no opportunity to restore the operation of the furnaces,” the message says.

As a result of the power cut, the metallurgical process and water intake was stopped at PFP. The plant suffered significant economic losses, and production was forced to stop until the appropriate restoration of the state substation and the necessary repairs to the main equipment.

“First of all, the company took all necessary measures to prevent situations that could have a negative impact on people’s health or the natural environment. Currently, the electricity supply has been restored, but it is very unstable and barely enough to meet the needs of the population,” the plant notes.

During the period of downtime, jobs will be maintained for all personnel. Personnel involved in the maintenance and operation of critical infrastructure facilities and protection of plant facilities will be paid for actual time worked. Other workers of the enterprise will receive at least two-thirds of the established tariff rate or salary.

“We remain in place and will try to preserve the team, be useful to the community and the defenders of Ukraine for the sake of Our Victory” comments the CEO of PFC Denys Shevchenko.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in March, Pobuzhsky Ferronickel Plant continues to work with 50% production capacity utilization under Russian aggression against Ukraine. Low occupancy is due to logistical issues.

Pobuzhsky Ferroalloy Plant (Kirovograd region) is the only ferronickel producer in Ukraine from low-grade oxidized nickel ore.

The company is owned by the international Solway Investment Group, who has manufacturing assets in Macedonia, Guatemala, Indonesia, and Argentina. The enterprise is a part of UkrFA – Association of Ukrainian ferroalloys manufacturers.