Havana, Cuba, Aug 24.- The outstanding work of innovators like Orestes Martinez Gonzalez keeps technological flow active in the Jose Marti Iron and Steel Company (Antillana de Acero), in Havana, regardless of the antiquity of many of its equipments.

Martinez, the president of the National Association of Innovators and Rationalizators (ANIR), in a unit for manufacturing pans in the company, explained ACN that innovations contributed to reducing oil fuel consumption between 11.5 and 12 kilograms per ton in heating facilities.

He noted that as a result, the Antillana de Acero saves the Cuban economy 250,000 CUC annually.

In addition, they have designed a strategy for contributing with the saving of energy carriers, which includes turning off burners during

electric rush hours.

Martinez added that today they are working for improving this technique, which expands the useful life of refractory elements and reduces fuel consumption.

The general director of the company, Jorge Sanchez, affirmed that without the decisive participation of the ANIR’s members and the Forum on Science and Technique, they would not have been able to maintain production levels.

He pointed out that preventive maintenance works contributes with diminishing damages derived from breakdowns due to a whole year work, 24 hours a day.

Antillana de Acero produces carbon, reinforcing and smooth steel bars; sections, steel sheets, wire rods, and other products to satisfy national market and export demands, mainly for Central America and the Caribbean. (ACN)