On August 21, 2024, Salzgitter AG revealed a significant investment plan for its Mülheim an der Ruhr site, marking one of the most substantial individual investments in the company’s history. The investment, totaling several tens of millions of euros, is dedicated to the construction of a cutting-edge warm leveling machine. This development underscores Salzgitter AG’s strategic focus on enhancing its steel processing capabilities and expanding its market presence, particularly in the renewable energy sector.
The new warm leveling machine is set to be constructed in partnership with Austria’s Buma Engineering & Anlagenbau GmbH. Scheduled to commence operations in the summer of 2026, this state-of-the-art facility will enable the production of exceptionally thick plates, crucial for energy infrastructure applications such as offshore foundation structures. This investment not only signifies a technological leap but also aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting the transition to renewable energy.
In addition to the new warm leveling machine, Salzgitter AG has optimized its plate logistics. Effective immediately, up to 24-meter-long plates will be available for wind turbine construction. The company has already secured its first project with a prominent wind turbine manufacturer, demonstrating the immediate impact of this investment on its operational capabilities.
Gunnar Groebler, CEO of Salzgitter AG, emphasized the importance of high-performance steel products in achieving energy transition goals. He stated, “Without high-performance steel products, the energy transition cannot succeed. The expansion of the entire energy infrastructure—generation, transmission, and storage—requires steel. Salzgitter AG, with its specialists Ilsenburger Grobblech and Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech, is a comprehensive provider in the wind sector. This investment in the warm leveling machine is further evidence of our continuous commitment to investing in our business activities to maintain our competitiveness and tap into future markets.”
Hans-Jaan Rachner, Managing Director of Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech GmbH, highlighted the sustainability aspect of the new project. He noted, “The unique feature of this project for renewable energy expansion is that the wind towers will be made from CO₂-reduced slabs produced via electric steel production. This represents another visible sign of our company’s commitment to sustainability. Thanks to this investment, Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech will establish a further foothold in the ‘wind’ sector, offering new opportunities to demonstrate our high-quality products to potential clients.”
Harald Krenn, Managing Director of Buma Engineering & Anlagenbau GmbH, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. He remarked, “We are very pleased to have received this order from Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech GmbH. The flexible and customized concept of the machine covers a broad range of plate products and will significantly expand the leveling capacities.”
The new warm leveling machine will be a cornerstone of Salzgitter AG’s strategy to enhance its production capabilities and meet the growing demands of the renewable energy market. This investment reflects the company’s ongoing dedication to technological advancement and sustainability in the steel industry.
