Marcegaglia UK Enhances Steel Tube Production at Oldbury Facility
Marcegaglia UK, the UK arm of the world's leading producer of stainless steel welded tubes, has made significant strides in increasing its manufacturing capacity at its Oldbury facility. The company recently expanded its production capabilities to include electro-welded stainless steel tubes, complementing its existing carbon steel tube production lines. This expansion is a strategic move to reinforce Marcegaglia’s position as a global leader in steel manufacturing while offering a diverse range of products for a variety of industries.
The Oldbury site now houses a total of seven production lines: four dedicated to carbon steel tubes, and three newly upgraded lines for stainless steel welded tubes. This expansion adds an additional 30,000 metric tons of capacity, bringing the total production capacity of the facility to 100,000 metric tons per year. The facility spans 69,000 square meters, with over 46,000 square meters of covered production space, positioning Marcegaglia UK as a key player in the British and European steel industries.
Stainless Steel Tubes for a Diverse Range of Applications
Marcegaglia’s expanded production of stainless steel welded tubes at Oldbury is focused primarily on steel grade 304, which is widely used in various industrial applications. This particular grade is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance and is used in industries ranging from food and dairy processing to oil & gas, construction, and automotive sectors.
Among the key products produced are stainless steel process pipes, which are vital in the food and dairy industry for carrying fluids under sanitary conditions, as well as tubes for heat exchangers, which are critical in energy systems, and ornamental tubes for decorative applications. Marcegaglia’s tubes are also used in mechanical and automotive applications, where strength and durability are paramount.
The company adheres to international standards to ensure the highest level of quality. The round stainless steel tubes produced at Oldbury comply with the EN10296-2 standard, while square and rectangular tubes meet ASTM A544 specifications. These standards guarantee that the products meet the stringent requirements of industries that demand reliability and long-lasting performance.
State-of-the-Art Production and Rigorous Testing
The production lines at Marcegaglia UK are equipped with advanced technology, capable of producing tubes in various finishes to meet specific customer requirements. These finishes include polished, brushed, and matt options, which are essential for applications where aesthetics are equally important as performance.
Each tube produced undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets high standards of quality. The tests include:
• Tensile testing: To evaluate the material’s strength and resistance to stretching.
• Flattening tests: To ensure the tubes can withstand pressure without breaking.
• Expansion tests: To test the ability of the tubes to stretch without rupturing.
• Dimensional tests: To confirm the tubes meet required size specifications.
• Visual inspections: To detect any defects in the surface quality.
These thorough quality checks ensure that every product leaving the Oldbury facility is fit for its intended use, whether for demanding industrial applications or consumer-facing products.
Marcegaglia’s Commitment to Sustainability and Industry Collaboration
The expansion of Marcegaglia UK’s production capabilities at Oldbury marks a crucial step in the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for high-quality steel products. This development not only enhances the company's product range but also underscores its dedication to sustainability. As the global steel industry transitions to greener practices, Marcegaglia continues to focus on reducing its environmental impact while maintaining the high-quality standards its customers rely on.
In addition to this production expansion, Marcegaglia UK has strengthened its industry presence by becoming a new member of the British Stainless Steel Association. This membership reflects Marcegaglia’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the stainless steel sector, reinforcing its role as a leader in the global steel industry.
The integration of electro-welded stainless steel tube production at Oldbury allows Marcegaglia UK to serve a broader range of industries with advanced solutions, offering flexibility and high-quality products designed to meet diverse market needs.
