Governmental officialdom, parliamentarians and the plant?s board Metrom inaugurated in February a totally modernized rolling-mill that is about to change the plant?s future. The rolling-mill B1, an investment of about 3 millions dollars, is part of a bigger investment of 12,5 millions dollars. ,,The first part, already finished, is about 3 millions worth, wherefrom the equipment represents 1,8 millions dollars; the rest covers the putting into service and the setting. In addition we set up the punching-drawing line for the so-called ?thimbles?, the products representing the raw material to produce infantry ammunition. The future buyer will also assume the re-processing plant?s plan?, Pompiliu Pană, general manager of Metrom stated.
Civil Area of the Market
Pavel Mâţiu, general manager of Romarm, reminded that the factory?s modernizing was first discussed in 1996, when the specialists estimated a necessary of about 30 millions dollars. After several negotiations round, the final amount was established at 12,5 millions dollars. ?It was pure oxygen for the local industry, allowing Metrom, as a unit included in the defence industry but possessing civil production capacities as well, to re-enter on a competitive market. In the future, the factory will produce less military technique and will re-orientate itself towards the civil area of the market. The ?thimbles? for the infantry munitions still remain the main aim of the activity, for Metrom is the only raw material national producer for those ?thimbles?, Mâţiu stated.
Double inauguration
Attending the event, the prefect of Braşov, Aurelian Danu, remarked that ,,this investment turned Metrom from a moribund into a convalescent. We are sure the plant will succeed on the foreign market. We assist today at a double inauguration; there are alternative plans as well, because every company can turn into profit its assets, by selling them. The Metrom case can constitute a model for the industry in Braşov. This a pilot-project proving that we can become competitive?.
Restyling the Factory
A large restyling program of the factory was discussed on this occasion. ,,The model must be valorised at maximum, because it is applied in the whole defence industry, including Tractorul and Rulmentul factories? prefect Danu stated.
The event was also attended by deputy Dumitru Puchianu; he considers the company is able to produce 60-80.000 cartridge cases at month. ?It?s an opportunity for Metrom, but the factory must increase the production. It needs a market for now, but I see no problem in identifying one. It?s obvious we are competitive?, Puchianu induced.
