THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has stopped the operation of a steel plant in San Simon town for allegedly manufacturing substandard products.

The agency’s Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) sealed the products of Wan Chiong Steel Corporation on Friday afternoon, January 25.

The steel factory allegedly failed to meet the Philippine National Standards, particularly on the steel bar’s tensile strength.

DTI-Central Luzon information officer Warren Serrano said the sealing of steel bars was done to prevent the release of substandard products in the market while further testing will be conducted.

He disclosed that Wan Chiong Steel Corporation’s products have been the subject of product testing.

The company was warned against product standard violations as early as mid-2018 before they were ordered to cease operations.

“The steel bars of Wan Chiong were sealed since they did not pass the Philippine Standard License and apparently, they were informed as early as last year but upon checking again today (Friday), they were still non-compliant,” Serrano said over the phone.

Serrano, however, said the suspension order is still subject for appeal provided that the company can present necessary documents and assure compliance with the market standards.

Serrano also noted that the inspection, which also included several hardware stores in the province, was conducted to ensure that only products that passed the market standards will be available for consumers.

Wan Chiong Steel Corporation management declined to issue a statement as of Sunday, January 27.