Chinese steelmaker linked to SAO collapse cleared to resume operations

Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa confirmed today that the Industrial Works Department has granted permission for Chinese steelmaker Xin Ke Yuan, based in Rayong province, to resume operations from June 5 after the company rectified the problems identified by the department.

Xin Ke Yuan was suspended from operations in April last year after it was discovered that its steel rebar products had been used in the construction of the new State Audit Office building, which collapsed on March 28 following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

The company's rebar was found to be substandard, although it was not identified as the primary cause of the collapse of the building, which was still under construction.

Varawut said that, although the company had already rectified issues in its steel production process as required, some steel traders and members of the public had raised concerns about the quality of its products.

To address those concerns, he said he had instructed the permanent secretary for industry to provide additional clarification, particularly regarding product safety.

Last Saturday, the Industrial Works Department said that Xin Ke Yuan had also upgraded its emissions control system to ensure that no hazardous pollutants from the production process are released into the atmosphere.

The department added that the company had sought permission to conduct trial operations in March and that officials had been dispatched to monitor the process. It said the company had passed all required tests.