thyssenkrupp's Major Investment in Electric Mobility: The New Annealing and Isolating Line
In a move that underscores its commitment to the future of electric mobility, thyssenkrupp Steel has inaugurated a state-of-the-art annealing and isolating line at its Bochum location. The new facility, which is the latest step in a comprehensive modernization campaign, represents a significant €300 million investment aimed at meeting the evolving demands of the electric vehicle market. With a focus on producing thinner, highly silicized, non-grain-oriented electrical steel, the new plant is poised to play a key role in improving the performance and efficiency of electric motors and generators, vital components in the shift to sustainable transportation.
At the heart of this development is the annealing and isolating line, which has the capacity to produce up to 200,000 metric tons of high-tech electrical steel annually. This specialized steel, with optimized mechanical and magnetic properties, is integral to the manufacturing of highly efficient motors that power electric vehicles. The investment also ensures that thyssenkrupp is well-positioned to lead the way in the production of advanced steel grades, critical to meeting future market requirements in the green energy sector.
The Role of Electrical Steel in Electric Mobility
Electrical steel plays an indispensable role in the manufacture of electric motors and generators. Specifically designed for use in these energy-intensive applications, this type of steel significantly enhances the energy efficiency of motors, which is crucial for electric vehicles. The advanced steel produced at thyssenkrupp’s new facility boasts a high silicon content, which is key to improving efficiency, reducing energy losses, and increasing the range of electric vehicles.
The process at the new Bochum plant involves using the latest technology to produce ultra-thin steel sheets, some as thin as 0.2 mm. During the annealing process, the structure of the cold-rolled strip is recrystallized, allowing the production of sheets with a uniform texture. These sheets are then coated with an insulating layer to enhance their performance in electric motors. This combination of high-tech steel and cutting-edge processes helps ensure that the materials used in electric vehicles maximize efficiency while minimizing waste and energy consumption.
A Future-Oriented Steel Production Facility
This significant investment is part of thyssenkrupp's broader Strategy 20-30, which focuses on modernizing its production network and product portfolio. By transitioning its focus towards high-tech steels for electric mobility and high-strength multiphase steels, thyssenkrupp is aligning itself with the growing global demand for environmentally friendly technologies. The Bochum site, once fully modernized, will serve as a cornerstone of this strategy, helping the company lead in premium steel grades that cater to the automotive sector’s shift towards electrification.
The new production lines in Bochum will not only enhance the capacity for producing advanced electrical steel but also create over 200 new qualified jobs, ensuring that the plant remains competitive in a rapidly changing market. By concentrating expertise in Bochum, thyssenkrupp is securing the long-term future of the location while adapting to the needs of the modern steel industry.
Engineering Excellence and Efficiency at Bochum
The investment in the new annealing and isolating line also includes the installation of cutting-edge facilities and equipment. The line spans 364 meters in length and reaches a height of up to 13.5 meters, with the capacity to handle various strip widths (700 mm to 1,350 mm) and thicknesses (0.2 mm to 1.0 mm). It is a highly energy-efficient system designed to meet the growing demand for high-performance materials while also ensuring the long-term viability of the Bochum plant.
The facility is designed to be flexible, able to meet the future needs of the electric mobility market by adjusting to new technological requirements as they emerge. The plant will work in tandem with other modernization efforts at thyssenkrupp, including the installation of a double reversing stand and an inspection line to ensure quality control. A finishing line, which is set to be operational in 2026, will further enhance the ability to tailor the steel to specific customer requirements, boosting the plant’s competitive edge.
The Path Forward: Innovation in Steel Production
thyssenkrupp's investment in Bochum marks a significant step in the ongoing transformation of the steel industry, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation. By focusing on producing high-tech electrical steel and other advanced materials for electric mobility, thyssenkrupp is not only meeting the demands of today’s market but also preparing for the technological advances of tomorrow.
The modernization of Bochum reinforces thyssenkrupp’s role as a leader in the steel sector, committed to delivering high-quality products that contribute to a more sustainable, electrified future. As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, thyssenkrupp’s investments in advanced steel production will provide the foundation for a greener, more energy-efficient automotive industry.
With this new annealing and isolating line, thyssenkrupp is solidifying Bochum as a key player in the steel production of tomorrow, securing both the plant’s future and its contribution to the electric mobility revolution.
