ThyssenKrupp Acciai Speciali Terni (TK-AST), an Italian stainless steelmaker, said that it would extend its production halt, which was planned to start in May, in light of lower-than-expected production.

The shutdown will cover the steel plant sectors, other regions and production lines. The shutdown will take place from May 25th to June 2nd.

Union representatives said that TK-AST expected to produce about 47,000 tons of finished steel in May, and hot-rolled steel production will reach about 67,000 tons, rather than the 84,000 tons forecasted at the end of April.