Thyssenkrupp launches a new continuous casting machine

The production of the first slabs is a step towards the full commissioning of the new plant complex

German steelmaker Thyssenkrupp Steel has announced that it has successfully started trial operation and cast the first slabs on its new continuous casting machine No. 4 (SGA 4) at its plant in the Bruckhausen area of Duisburg, Germany. This is stated in the company’s message.

As noted, this has become the largest single investment project in recent decades.

“The new SGA 4 will form part of one of the most modern production networks in the European steel industry. It is a central building block in our strategy to ensure there is a bright future for efficient and sustainable steel production at the Duisburg location,” said Dennis Grimm, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Steel.

He added that the line is equipped with high-tech automation and casting technology and provides highly accurate, flexible and efficient slab production with significantly improved shape accuracy and surface quality.

The successful production of the first slabs is an important step towards the full commissioning of the new plant, which will take place in stages over the next few weeks. The complex includes a new fully automated slab storage area and a fully modernized Hot Strip Mill No. 4 with a new pre-treatment line and two new walking beam furnaces.

The SGA 4 replaces the previous casting line and, together with the hot strip mill No. 4, forms an integrated network of the plant.

The company notes that the large project in Bruckhausen is one of the largest modernization initiatives in Thyssenkrupp Steel’s history and a central investment package under Strategy 20-30. The goal is to adapt the production processes at the Duisburg plant to make them more efficient and flexible, focusing on profitable premium products.

As a reminder, the industrial group Thyssenkrupp has announced plans to transform itself into a holding company with controlling stakes in certain business segments. The future strategic target model will be presented to the Supervisory Board by the end of the current fiscal year. It is noted that the basis of the plans is the gradual separation of all business segments and their opening to third-party investment.