The new facility will enable Acroni to expand its portfolio and to focus on even more demanding products. "We'll get into niche markets that we haven't been present in so much this far," director Blaž Jasnič has said.

The new line enables extremely precise heat regulation, which will enable Acroni to continue to change its sales mix in the direction of more profitable product ranges.

Speaking for the STA, Jasnič said last year's business was somewhat below the levels of 2014 with sales down about 10%. Nevertheless, the company ended the year with a profit.

The main reason for lower sales is the volatility in the prices of strategic raw materials, especially nickel, while falling oil prices made Acroni's customers more cautious.

Jasnič is more upbeat about this year, also because he expects the launch of planned billions' worth oil and gas projects following a stabilisation in the prices of raw materials.

While Acroni plans to expand its workforce of 1,130 by 50 with the launch of the new product line, it is also preparing for a new investment.

An argon oxygen decarburization furnace in the segment of secondary metallurgy will enable a more economical production of highly specialised stainless steel.

Jasnič said the company was lucky with its Russian owner, who understood investment and development was the only guarantee of long-term future.