The Optigal alloy is based on zinc, magnesium and aluminum with better plastic properties than previous alloys and greater corrosion resistance, the company said. With the modernization, the portfolio of products will be expanded. 

"As part of this project, we have built two new galvanizing baths and a system for their transport and lifting. Currently, in one bath with a capacity of 200 metric tons, the sheet metal is galvanized in the existing alloy, and in the other (180 metric tons) – in the new Optigal alloy,” said Wojciech Fraś, project manager of the galvanizing plant modernization and adapting it to the production of the new coating. 

To start the sheet metal production with a new coating, they had to build a second bath and adapt the existing infrastructure of the cold rolling mill. The tubs now travel along the tracks installed in the basement of the plant on a platform that lifts them to the workstation. They can be transported vertically or horizontally. 

“Due to the limited space for the installation of the entire system, it was not possible to use an ordinary crane and it was necessary to use a special hydraulic crane with a lifting capacity of 500 metric tons," said Ireneusz Juraszek, project manager from the investment office. 

The company said the project cost PLN 40 million, with commercial production of sheet metal with the new coating set to start after obtaining certification and homologation in 2026.  

Wojciech Koszuta, chairman and chief executive officer of ArcelorMittal Poland, said another project is in the works with Linde Gaz Polska to construct a hydrogen production plant.