Qarmet, a Kazakhstan’s steel manufacturer, plans to begin manufacturing automotive-grade sheet steel by 2028, expanding into series production of body panels by 2029.

Andrey Lavrentyev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the automotive company Allur Group, announced the project during a government meeting, outlining a cross-industry initiative linking domestic metallurgy with local carmakers like Kia Qazaqstan.

The planned facility targets an annual capacity of at least 100,000 vehicle bodies, incorporating a minimum of 75% local steel content. Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov backed the project as part of Qarmet's broader modernization program.

Formerly ArcelorMittal Temirtau, the country's largest integrated steelworks was acquired by Andrey Lavrentyev in 2023. Local production aims to supply high-value processed steel, reducing reliance on imported auto body panels.