UPDATE DECEMBER 5
The incident led to a full shutdown of the blast furnace operations at the Muroran site and involved significant damage to auxiliary equipment connected to the blast furnace, including the hot-blast stove and parts of the control systems. According to current reports, no personnel were injured, and the fire was quickly brought under control. However, the shutdown of the affected production line has been classified as an unforeseen and extraordinary event outside our reasonable control.
For this reason, Suzuki Garphyttan is formally invoking Force Majeure.
Impact on Suzuki Garphyttan and our deliveries
Nippon Steel has declared that the restoration of the damaged hot-blast stove and the blast furnace control systems will be required, and that based on the current technical assessment, resuming operations are expected to take several months. Even under this updated outlook, Suzuki Garphyttan together with Nippon Steel maintain sufficient inventory and supply flexibility to secure all planned deliveries, and we do not foresee any impact on deliveries during December 2025 to March (Q1), 2026. Currently, Europe and North America appear to be covered for April to June (Q2) as well. Our supply chain team is actively managing the situation and securing continuity.
Our way of working – transparency and weekly updates
We understand the importance of predictability in our customers operations. To maintain full transparency throughout this situation, we will:
• Provide weekly status updates, shared weekly, every Monday afternoon (15:00 CET), until the situation is resolved or stabilised. Information will be provided through a weekly customer update (e-mail). You can also find the updated information here on our website.
• Immediately inform you if new information emerges that may alter the current assessment, through your Suzuki Garphyttan sales contact.
• Continue to monitor the situation closely primarily through direct communication with our supplier.
At this time, no action is required from your side. If you anticipate major changes in your demand patterns or planning that could affect our supply commitments, please reach out to your Suzuki Garphyttan contact so we can coordinate proactively.
If you have any questions regarding this communication, do not hesitate to contact your Suzuki Garphyttan sales contact.
