Mr Putin inspected the company's oxygen-converter workshop and listened to reports from Alexander Abramov, CEO of Evraz Group, which owns the works, and Rashid Nugumanov, the company's Executive Director.

Mr Putin was briefed on the corporate production process and social policy at the plant.

Prime Minister Putin was told that the company employed nearly 17,000 workers, and that a four-day working week had been introduced in order to save jobs. The five-team working schedule makes it possible to involve the greatest number of workers at production workshops.