ArcelorMittal Industeel has commissioned a new continuous casting machine at its plant in France

Global mining and steel company ArcelorMittal has commissioned a new vertical continuous casting machine (CCM) at the ArcelorMittal Industeel plant in Le Creusot, France. The project represents one of the company’s largest capital investments in recent years, according to a press release.

Construction of the new facility began in February 2024. The total investment amounted to €52 million, of which €12 million was provided under the France 2030 government program, aimed at supporting industrial modernization and decarbonization.

The new hot strip mill enables the production of thin slabs, which shortens the production cycle and eliminates one of the intermediate rolling stages. This will help increase production efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and shorten production lead times.

The company expects that shifting part of production to the new line will reduce CO2 emissions at the Le Creusot site by approximately 10%.

In the initial phase, the unit will produce approximately 15,000 metric tons of product per year, with capacity to be increased to 25,000 metric tons. Previously, the plant relied solely on traditional casting, so the launch of this second production process is expected to enhance the company’s flexibility and competitiveness.

The modernization also opens up opportunities to expand the company’s presence in the carbon and stainless steel markets, as well as in nickel alloys for the energy sector, energy transition projects, and niche industrial segments.

“This project is yet another confirmation of the government’s support for industry under the France 2030 program. The site in Le Creusot is growing, investing for its customers, and at the same time reducing its carbon footprint. This is a shining example of our regional presence and the dynamics of industrial development. We can only welcome this,” said Alain Le Grix de la Salle, President of ArcelorMittal France.

As a reminder, ArcelorMittal France previously announced the production of the first coil on the new electrical steel production line at the site in Mardic. The company called this stage crucial for further fine-tuning of equipment and industrial processes before gradually reaching steady-state production and the final validation of all lines to supply customers with high-quality products.