Investments for improved product quality
thyssenkrupp Steel is investing a sum in the high three-digit million range, setting the course for modernization of its production network. The goals: more capable products, increased flexibility, and a sharper customer focus.
The investments thyssenkrupp Steel has scheduled for the Duisburg, Bochum, and Dortmund sites will significantly improve the quality of the product. A completely new line consisting of continuous casting lines, a hot strip mill, a double reversing mill and an annealing-isolating line will further optimize manufacturing processes and make them even more homogeneous in the future. This applies in particular to the production of non grain oriented electrical steel and multiphase steels for the automotive industry and premium industrial applications as well for blackplate for the packaging industry. Customers’ main benefit as a result of these upgrades will be having access to steels with improved geometrical and electromagnetic properties.
The plant expansion measures described above will also lead to an increase in production capacity, which in turn will improve our ability to deliver the products as ordered and on time. In addition, the investment package underpins the company’s image as a technology and quality leader and sustainably strengthens its position in European market. The upgrades are an integral part of the company’s Steel Strategy 20–30, with its goal to focus more on profitable and growing markets that are opening up as a result of, for example, the energy transition and the expansion of electromobility. In this context, the focus is primarily on premium steel grades that are required for, among other things, efficient e-mobility solutions for motors and generators – such as powercore® Traction . Products from the premium surfaces segment, such as ZM Ecoprotect® and dual-phase steels – which are required above all in the automotive industry for constructing lightweight structural and crash-relevant components – continue to be of great importance.
At the Duisburg site, the existing casting rolling line will be converted into a continuous casting line with downstream hot strip mill. The project is the largest single construction measure of the investment package. Completion and integration are scheduled for 2024. This upgrade will increase the casting and rolling capacities of the plant and improve utilization of the upstream steel mill. In addition, process-optimized plant technology based on Industry 4.0 solutions will enable the portfolio of higher-strength steels and premium surfaces to be expanded. Customers can expect significant quality improvements, more flexible slab production, and positive long-term effects on their security of supply and ability to meet deadlines.
Contact
thyssenkrupp Steel Europe
Mark Stagge
Head of Public & Media Relations