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From Apprentice to Team Leader: Nico Kruse Driving the Green Transformation

Nico Kruse

With his passion for innovative technologies and sustainable solutions, Nico Kruse is shaping the future of the direct reduction plant as Team Leader for Electric & Instrumentation at thyssenkrupp Steel. His career path shows how dedication and development opportunities go hand in hand.

Who are you, and what do you do at thyssenkrupp Steel?

My name is Nico Kruse, I am 32 years old and I work in Electrical & Instrumentation & Control Maintenance for the direct reduction plant at thyssenkrupp Steel.

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thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Strasse 100

47166 Duisburg, Germany

+49 (0)203 52-0

What is your current role, and when did you start?

Since 2023, I’ve been serving as the Head of Maintenance Electric & Instrumentation for the Direct Reduction Plant.

Where are you based?

I work at thyssenkrupp Steel Europe’s site in Duisburg, in the Upstream Hot Metal - Direct Reduction Plant division.

When did you join thyssenkrupp Steel?

I joined thyssenkrupp Steel in 2011.

What did you study in your bachelor’s and master’s programs?

After my apprenticeship, I completed a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical engineering. I then went on to study for a Master of Science in industrial engineering with a focus on electrical engineering. I completed both courses while working as part of the thyssenkrupp Steel Young Potential Program.

What was your career path like?

I began my career in 2011 with an apprenticeship as an Electronics Technician for Automation Technology at thyssenkrupp Steel. After completing my apprenticeship, I worked in electrical maintenance at the Hamborn blast furnace in various roles. Initially, I worked as an electronics technician on a day shift. Following my studies, I was responsible for measurement technology and instrumentation at the Hamborn blast furnace starting in 2018. Since the launch of the large-scale direct reduction plant project in Duisburg in 2020, I’ve been responsible for the electrical, automation, and instrumentation sectors.

What does your typical workday look like?

What are your main tasks, especially regarding the direct reduction plant?

My tasks are currently very varied. In the field of electrics, I am responsible for engineering in collaboration with the plant manufacturer SMS Group, the development of personnel and the training of future electrical maintenance staff from the existing production plants.

There is no typical working day in this dynamic project phase, as new challenges and tasks are constantly arising. Due to the different qualification areas of the future maintenance technicians, my daily routine is also very varied and has to be constantly adapted.

What motivates you at work? When do you enjoy your job the most?

I am particularly motivated by the challenge of implementing a new technology for the transformation of steel production. I also enjoy developing new electrical standards for the direct reduction plant and building a new team. The visible progress of the project on the construction site gives me additional incentive in my day-to-day work.

What makes working at thyssenkrupp Steel special? What do you appreciate about your colleagues?

The fascination with heavy industry, particularly steel production, remains as strong for me as ever. Witnessing and working on a production plant that produces several million tons per year is an unmatched experience at thyssenkrupp Steel. What I value most is the team spirit and the direct and honest communication within the team.

What makes representative of the #nextgenerationsteel?

Since starting my apprenticeship in 2011, I’ve been striving to continuously improve processes and keep production facilities up to date to ensure high performance. Since 2021, I’ve been able to play an active role in transforming the steel industry by contributing to the electrical side of the direct reduction plant and smelter. I’m willing to take new paths and think outside the box to achieve efficient steel production with state-of-the-art facilities and well-trained personnel in the future.

thyssenkrupp Steel supported and developed me through the Young Potential Program, and now I can help the company continue to evolve.

Did this pique your interest?

If so, become part of the #nextgenerationsteel movement and apply now.

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