In a Press announcement on 15 March JFE Corporation says the blast furnaces in the East Japan Works, including in both the Chiba and Keihin areas, have resumed operations following precautionary maintenance and inspection. Maximum efforts are being made to conserve energy due to the tight supply of electricity.
Facilities of the West Japan Works and Chita Works have experienced no damage due to the earthquake and are operating normally.
The Company says every possible step is being taken to confirm and secure the safety of all employees and families of the company, group companies and partner companies in the Tohoku region. Meanwhile, for East Japan Works operations in the Chiba and Keihin areas, all employees of JFE Steel and group and partner companies have been confirmed to be safe.
JFE expresses its most heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake, and its sincerest wishes for their earliest possible recovery. Also, the company expresses its deep appreciation for the outpouring of best wishes received.
Going forward, JFE Steel and its group companies would deeply appreciate all possible understanding and assistance for efforts to recover in the fastest time achievable.