Advanced Information Systems (AIS) recently received a contract from the Russian high-quality-oriented long-product steel producer OEMK for plant-wide production control management in their carbon and alloy steel production lines.

The AIS–SteelPlanner solution to be implemented will cover the meltshop, rolling mill and finishing area. The system includes high-performance components such as the AlphaPlanner and Cross Line Scheduler to ensure maximum efficiency in production planning, material flow control and process scheduling.

Specifically designed for the steel industry, the SteelPlanner Solution line operates successfully in facilities of many top steel producers worldwide. Individual components of the line are oriented to achieve the highest possible production flexibility, increased productivity by scheduling optimization, reduced production costs, and efficient line synchronization as well as quality supervision.

Advanced Information Systems (AIS) is a joint venture between VAI and MCE (Austria). AIS supplies planning and scheduling solutions for the Metals Industry with many references of its SteelPlanner^® family of products worldwide. AIS Solutions increase efficiency of expensive heavy equipment by optimizing capacity planning and production schedules. References all over the world confirm the effectiveness and reliability of the SteelPlanner solutions.

The SteelPlanner family of Planning and Scheduling solutions are implemented and supported throughout the world through the combined efforts of consultants and integration specialists from headquarters in Linz and Brussels, as well as VAI group companies.

Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau (VAI), a company of the listed VA Technologie AG, is one of the world’s leading engineering and plant-building companies for the iron, steel and aluminum industries with a multinational company structure and special focus on technology, automation and services. VAI achieved total sales of 1,160 millions EUR in 2004 and employs approximately 3,400 people worldwide.

Following the announcement on December 10, 2004, by Siemens AG Österreich of a takeover bid for VA Tech, the extended period of acceptance terminated on February 25, 2005. The total of own and tendered shares to Siemens amounts to 97.15%. Consequently, one precondition for a takeover by Siemens has been fulfilled. However, until the anti-trust authorities in the EU and Canada approve the takeover, both VA Tech and Siemens are subject to a prohibition on the concentration process.

MCE AG is a leading manufacturer-independent service provider and life-cycle partner for the construction and servicing of industrial plants, buildings and infrastructures in Central Europe. The MCE Group achieved total sales of roughly 1,029 million euros in 2004 with a total of approximately 7,929 employees. MCE AG is owned and operated by the Andlinger & Co. Group.