Today Alexander Ananenkov, Deputy Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee held a meeting in the Company's Headquarters dedicated to the ChTPZ Group pipe production utilization.

Taking part in the meeting were heads and specialists from Gazprom's specialized subdivisions and subsidiaries as well as representatives from ChTPZ Group and the Urals Steel.

The meeting considered the possibility to utilize double-seam large-diameter pipes manufactured by ChTPZ Group from Urals Steel's strip for the purpose of implementing Gazprom's gas transmission projects including for the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas transmission system construction.

It was noted that Gazprom was intent to continue supporting the domestic pipe enterprises and allied metallurgical sectors in order to encourage the competitive products turnout, which is especially significant amidst the global financial crisis.

Based on the meeting results, the directions of further cooperation between Gazprom and ChTPZ Group were defined. In particular, the decision was taken to arrange in 2009 preliminary tests for double-seam large-diameter pipes. ChTPZ Group received the recommendation to develop its production capacities for one-seam large-diameter pipes.

Background:

Established in 2002, ChTPZ Group is currently one of the leading industrial groups of the Russian metallurgical sector with a 19.5 per cent share in the pipe market.