Paolo Rocca, Tenaris's Chairman & CEO, Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, President of Colombia, local authorities, community representatives and employees attended the event.

The plan, announced in 2012, shows Tenaris's commitment to the industrial development of the country. It not only contributes to the production of new products for the exploration and production of oil and gas, but also strengthens the value chain through the participation of local suppliers and local labor.

“Tenaris has the challenge,” said President Santos. “Mr. Rocca told me in 2013 that the mill would be finished in 18 months and you delivered. This mill is world class, state-of-the-art for an industry as relevant for Colombia as the oil industry,” he added.

Paolo Rocca said, “These days in which the challenge of increasing oil and gas productions is associated to technology, our commitment is to provide Ecopetrol and private companies with products manufactured under the strictest standards and with the highest quality along with just-in-time service and technical support at the well.”

“If we work together, with a government that promotes fair competition, a private sector that invests and provides technical training, technology and employment plus responsible workers and unions who are focused on social progress and advancement, we can achieve a solid platform for sustainable industrial growth in the country,” Rocca added.

The mill has a total area of 60 hectares and included the construction of new lines that incorporate state-of-the-art technology to manufacture pipes for the oil and gas industry. This new technology includes a cutting-edge heat treatment line, threading facilities capable of processing proprietary premium connections, inspection lines to meet the highest quality standards and adjustment lines. The entire process guarantees the production of high quality finished pipes.

More information about the project is available at tenaris.com.