Italy's steelmaker Acciaierie d'Italia has stopped production at the hot rolling mill of its Taranto plant. Two more plants, in Genoa & Novi Ligure, will close by 15 November because they rely on steel coils from Taranto. The blast furnaces are on standby while Italy's top court reviews the case, with a ruling due on 20 October. If the decision is unfavourable, the hot zone could close permanently from 24 October. The firm employs around 9,500 people, & benefits for 4,450 workers have been approved