New pipeline solution from Rautaruukki for trunk water pipeline for Turku Region artificial groundwater project

Rautaruukki Oyj Stock Exchange Release 25 March 2004 at 4 pm

Rautaruukki's Construction Solutions Division is using a new pipeline
solution in the construction of a trunk water pipeline between
Huittinen and Turku as part of an artificial groundwater project.
This is one of the biggest trunk water pipeline projects in Europe in
recent years. The order, with a value of tens of millions of euros,
is extremely important for Rautaruukki. The client is Turku Region
Water Ltd. The order includes extensive development work to meet the
client's requirements.

The Rautaruukki pipeline solution requires no welding of the steel
pipes during installation. This is made possible by the quick to
install gasket joint developed by Rautaruukki for the steel pipes.
The joints were tested with extensive pressure tests supervised by
pressure vessel authorities. Welding in the workshop makes it easier
to guarantee the quality of the work than welding in field
conditions.

A new installation method developed by Rautaruukki and special
installation tools are use in installation. The pipes used for the
order have diameters of 1255 mm and 1048 mm. The gasket joint and the
special tools developed speed up installation and improve the quality
of the work. Rautaruukki will give separate training to the companies
installing the pipeline.

The water trunk pipeline project will start in the autumn and will be
completed by the end of 2007. The 100 km pipeline will bring pure
water to the 285,000 inhabitants of the Turku region and the
industrial companies there.

Rautaruukki produces total solutions for the construction, mechanical
engineering and metal fabrication industries. The group has a wide
selection of products and services in metal products. Rautaruukki is
a listed company that has operations in 22 countries. The Group's
turnover is EUR 3 billion and it employs about 12000 people.



Rautaruukki Oyj
Esko Lukkari, VP, Corporate Communications


FURTHER INFORMATION
Rautaruukki Construction Solutions:
Matti Juvonen, Business Manager,Pipelines, tel. +358 (0)20 592 5122,
gsm +358 (0)40 506 7526
Esa Moilanen, Customer Project Manager, puh.+358 (0)20 592 5155, gsm
+358 (0)40 557 8764

DISTRIBUTION
Helsinki Exchanges
Principal media
www.rautaruukki.com