The start-ups in phase 1 of the project include the preparation line, the annealing and varnishing line, and the slitting line. The company said the new lines will expand its range of electrical steels in Europe to support the electrification of applications, specifically in industry and the automotive sector. 

“I, like [our employees], will be very moved to see the first of the 155,000 tons of electrical steel that we will eventually deliver annually roll off the lines!” said Bruno Ribo, managing director of ArcelorMittal France. 

With the addition of the new production unit, complementing the one in Saint-Chély-d'Apcher, the ArcelorMittal Group estimates its electrical steel production capacity will reach 295,000 metric tons annually. 

By 2027, five new production lines will be operational at the Mardyck site. The company said civil engineering work is currently underway for phase 2 of the project, including an annealing and pickling line and reversible rolling mill.
The new facility is the largest investment by the company in Europe in the last 10 years at €500 million.

ArcelorMittal said its investment is supported by €25 million from the French State as part of France 2030.