ArcelorMittal Warsaw’s Rolling Mill Renovation: A Step Towards Improved SBQ Production
In November 2024, ArcelorMittal Warsaw celebrated the re-commissioning of its rolling mill, marking a significant leap in the plant's production capabilities. The renovation was part of an extensive modernization project that included the installation of four new rolling stands, designed to accommodate 220 mm square billets. This investment in infrastructure and technology not only enhances production efficiency but also enables ArcelorMittal Warsaw to meet the growing demand in the SBQ (Special Bar Quality) market, especially for industries like automotive manufacturing.
The decision to upgrade the rolling mill was driven by the company’s desire to improve its ability to produce SBQ bars, which are in high demand for their use in automotive components, engineering parts, and high-performance machinery. The expanded capacity allows for the production of SBQ bars with a diameter of up to 100 mm, compared to the previous limit of 20-80 mm. The upgrade is a game-changer for ArcelorMittal Warsaw, as it brings forward a significant leap in quality and range of the bars produced, further positioning the company as a key player in the global SBQ steel market.
The Renovation Process and Timeline
Originally scheduled for completion in 2020/2021, the project faced delays due to external circumstances, but was brought back on track in 2024 with the hot tests successfully carried out in November 2024. The results exceeded expectations, with production capacity being enhanced ahead of the initial target date of January 2025.
The key upgrade is the integration of four new rolling stands, which were added to accommodate the larger billets and to handle more robust production demands. These additions not only optimize the plant’s operations but also improve the energy efficiency of the system, aligning with ArcelorMittal’s sustainability goals.
The Impact on the SBQ Market and Automotive Industry
The SBQ market is integral to industries that demand high-quality bars and steels, especially the automotive sector. SBQ bars are used for producing high-performance parts such as engine components, axles, and drive shafts, all of which require precise mechanical properties. ArcelorMittal Warsaw’s move to enhance its rolling mill’s capacity is particularly important as it addresses the growing demand for these products in the automotive industry.
According to Artur Gierwatowski, CEO of ArcelorMittal Warsaw, the automotive sector remains a stable market for SBQ bars despite broader market fluctuations. With the updated rolling mill, ArcelorMittal can ensure it remains competitive, especially as the demand for higher-strength materials for automotive applications continues to rise. The ability to produce bars up to 100 mm in diameter will allow the company to capture a larger share of the premium SBQ market.
Environmental and Safety Enhancements at ArcelorMittal Poland’s Other Plants
In addition to the renovations in Warsaw, ArcelorMittal Poland is also focusing on environmental improvements at its Dombrowa Górnicza plant. A large-scale modernization of the argon cleaning system is underway, with an investment exceeding PLN 30 million. This initiative is focused on reducing environmental impact, improving the working conditions for employees, and ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards on sustainability.
The completion of this environmental project, expected by the end of 2025, will enhance ArcelorMittal Poland’s overall operations and reinforce the company’s commitment to both product quality and environmental stewardship.
Key Takeaways:
• ArcelorMittal Warsaw has re-commissioned its rolling mill after the addition of four new rolling stands.
• The upgrade enables the mill to process 220 mm square billets, expanding production for SBQ bars.
• The new capacity allows the production of SBQ bars up to 100 mm in diameter, a significant improvement over the previous range of 20-80 mm.
• The SBQ market, especially in the automotive sector, remains stable and is expected to benefit from these upgrades.
• Hot tests of the renovated rolling mill were completed in November 2024, ahead of schedule.
• ArcelorMittal Poland is investing PLN 30 million in a large-scale modernization project at its Dombrowa Górnicza plant to improve environmental impact and worker safety.
