In a significant development for the steel industry, Primetals Technologies has announced a landmark agreement with Outokumpu Stainless USA, a leading stainless steel manufacturer. The five-year cost-per-ton maintenance contract covers the repair and maintenance of Outokumpu's single-strand continuous casting machine at their Calvert, Alabama facility. This partnership marks a pivotal shift in maintenance strategies and underscores the growing importance of technological innovation in the steel sector.
The contract, which commenced in September 2024, encompasses a comprehensive scope of maintenance activities aimed at optimizing the performance and longevity of the continuous caster. Primetals Technologies, leveraging its expertise as the original equipment manufacturer, will be responsible for servicing critical components such as molds, oscillators, bender, bow, straightener, and horizontal segments. The agreement also extends to the upkeep of caster rolls, spindles, table rollers, and drive shafts, as well as managing spare parts inventory.
One of the key aspects of this collaboration is Primetals Technologies' commitment to implementing cutting-edge technologies and process improvements. The company plans to apply its proprietary Hiper Coat technology to the mold coppers, offering variable hardness to extend component life. Similarly, innovative overlay technology will be used to enhance the durability and performance of caster rolls. These advancements are expected to significantly boost the efficiency and output of Outokumpu's casting operations.
To streamline maintenance operations, Primetals Technologies will relocate the work to a nearby 40,000-square-foot facility in Calvert. This strategic move not only centralizes maintenance activities but also frees up valuable space in Outokumpu's meltshop for other production processes. The transition is designed to occur seamlessly, ensuring no disruption to Outokumpu's ongoing production or the operation of the continuous casting machine.
The contract also introduces a range of digital solutions to enhance maintenance practices. Primetals Technologies' Through-Process Optimization platform will provide remote assistance capabilities, while the m.space e-services platform offers online spare parts ordering, training sessions, and centralized plant documentation. Additionally, the Maintenance and Asset Technology platform will enable real-time tracking of mold copper and roll fleets, employing predictive maintenance scheduling and reliability-centered maintenance strategies.
