ANDRITZ Secures Key Role in ArcelorMittal’s Sustainable Electrical Steel Production Facility
In an important development for the global steel industry, ANDRITZ, an international technology group known for its innovative industrial solutions, has secured a significant order from ArcelorMittal Calvert for a state-of-the-art electrical steel production facility in Calvert, Alabama, USA. This facility is designed to produce high-quality non-grain oriented electrical steel, a material crucial for the development of electric vehicles, energy-efficient motors, and other green technologies. This order is a key part of ArcelorMittal's strategy to ramp up production of electrical steel, which plays a vital role in supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
The facility will be capable of producing up to 150,000 metric tons of NOES annually. NOES is a key material in the automotive industry, particularly in the production of motors for electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly important in the global shift toward clean energy. ArcelorMittal, the world's second-largest steel producer, is aiming to meet the growing demand for high-performance materials used in sustainable transportation and renewable energy sectors.
Strengthening the U.S. Supply Chain for Critical Materials
The investment in the Calvert facility represents a critical step towards establishing a robust and resilient domestic supply chain for electrical steel in North America. As electric vehicles and other green technologies become more prevalent, the need for high-quality electrical steel has surged. By investing in domestic production capacity, ArcelorMittal aims to ensure a reliable, sustainable source of NOES that can meet the demands of the automotive, energy, and industrial sectors.
John Brett, CEO of ArcelorMittal North America, emphasized the strategic importance of this new facility, noting the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable supply chain for materials that are critical for the green energy transition. He stated, "We recognize the importance of creating a resilient, sustainable domestic supply chain for this critical material," signaling a firm commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices that align with global sustainability goals.
Innovative Equipment for Advanced Manufacturing
The new facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology supplied by ANDRITZ, a leader in providing industrial systems for the steel industry. The advanced equipment includes a S6-high cold rolling mill and an annealing and coating line, both designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
S6-High Cold Rolling Mill
The S6-high cold rolling mill is a key component of the facility’s production line. This mill will be capable of processing steel products up to 1,650 mm in width, a critical requirement for producing high-quality electrical steel. The mill operates at a maximum speed of 1,000 m/min, ensuring high throughput while maintaining tight tolerances on material thickness. It is designed to roll materials with a thickness between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, making it ideal for the production of thin electrical steel required for use in electric motors and other industrial applications.
A major innovation in the cold rolling mill is its advanced heating, cooling, and rolling process, which optimizes energy use and enhances the quality of the steel. The process is designed to reduce costs while maintaining the highest standards of flatness and surface quality, both critical factors in electrical steel production.
Annealing and Coating Line
The annealing and coating line is equally advanced, processing the cold-rolled strip into high-quality non-grain oriented electrical steel. One of the standout features of this line is its electrically heated annealing furnace, which eliminates the need for fossil fuels typically used in heating processes. By using electrical energy, the furnace significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions during production, making it an environmentally friendly solution that aligns with the industry’s push toward decarbonization.
The mathematical furnace model integrated into the system allows for real-time optimization of operation, ensuring that both material quality and energy consumption are carefully balanced. This level of precision not only improves product quality but also reduces energy waste, further contributing to the sustainability of the facility's operations.
Scope of Supply and Installation Supervision
ANDRITZ’s scope of supply for the project includes the design, supply, and installation of all mechanical and electrical equipment required for the cold rolling and annealing lines. The company will also supervise the installation and commissioning process to ensure that the new facility operates as planned, from day one.
This level of involvement reflects ANDRITZ’s comprehensive approach to project delivery, ensuring that each system is tailored to meet the specific needs of the customer. ANDRITZ’s expertise in the design and commissioning of steel production lines guarantees that the Calvert facility will be able to achieve optimal performance throughout its operational life.
A Commitment to Supporting the Green Transition
Joachim Schönbeck, CEO of ANDRITZ, commented on the importance of the project, stating, "We are very pleased to have been selected by ArcelorMittal for this important project that contributes to the shift towards sustainable mobility. We are committed to supporting our customers in driving the green transition."
ANDRITZ’s involvement in this project is not just about providing high-quality equipment; it is also a demonstration of the company’s commitment to supporting the broader shift toward sustainable manufacturing practices. The development of the Calvert facility aligns with the company's efforts to drive green innovation and contribute to the global push for decarbonization in heavy industries.
A Long-Standing Partnership with ArcelorMittal
This order is a continuation of the long-standing and successful partnership between ArcelorMittal and ANDRITZ. The two companies have collaborated on numerous projects over the years, and this new facility further solidifies their relationship as leaders in the steel industry. The commitment to sustainability and innovation that both companies share positions them at the forefront of the green manufacturing revolution, ensuring that the steel industry plays a key role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Key Takeaways:
• New Facility in Calvert, Alabama: ArcelorMittal is building a state-of-the-art electrical steel production plant in Calvert, Alabama, with a focus on producing non-grain oriented electrical steel.
• Annual Production Capacity: The plant will have a production capacity of 150,000 metric tons of NOES per year, serving the automotive and industrial sectors, particularly electric vehicles.
• Sustainable Manufacturing: The annealing furnace is electrically heated, eliminating the use of fossil fuels and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions during production.
• Advanced Technology: The S6-high cold rolling mill will process steel up to 1,650 mm wide at speeds of up to 1,000 m/min with a focus on efficiency and material quality.
• Energy Efficiency: The facility's processes are optimized to minimize energy consumption and ensure the highest material quality, using advanced heating, cooling, and rolling techniques.
• Comprehensive Supply: ANDRITZ will design, supply, and oversee the installation of all mechanical and electrical equipment for the cold rolling and annealing lines.
• Green Transition Support: ANDRITZ’s role in this project is part of a broader effort to drive sustainability in the steel industry and contribute to the green transition in manufacturing.
• Strategic Partnership: This order strengthens the long-standing partnership between ArcelorMittal and ANDRITZ, ensuring continued collaboration on sustainable manufacturing innovations.
By leveraging innovative technologies and embracing sustainable production practices, ArcelorMittal and ANDRITZ are making significant strides in the steel industry’s contribution to green energy solutions and environmentally friendly mobility.
