Dillinger France Taps SMS group to Upgrade Cold Plate Leveler
10/08/2026 - SMS group announced it will upgrade Dillinger France’s cold plate leveler with the latest generation of X-Pact® plate leveler control at its heavy plate mill in Dunkirk, France.
The companies said the upgrade will allow for a process model that has optimized setpoint calculations and an integrated 9/5-roll mode. This will extend Dillinger France’s operational range of the leveler without needing any roll changes.
“By applying enhanced leveling strategies, the new process control system unlocks the full potential of the existing leveler while helping Dillinger France maintain the technological competitiveness of its heavy plate production,” said Thomas Kock, automation and digital solutions at SMS group.
The new leveling model will allow the company to meet the requirements of advanced high-strength steel grades without replacing the leveler’s mechanical equipment.
The project is scheduled for completion by December 2027, the companies said.
“By applying enhanced leveling strategies, the new process control system unlocks the full potential of the existing leveler while helping Dillinger France maintain the technological competitiveness of its heavy plate production,” said Thomas Kock, automation and digital solutions at SMS group.
The new leveling model will allow the company to meet the requirements of advanced high-strength steel grades without replacing the leveler’s mechanical equipment.
The project is scheduled for completion by December 2027, the companies said.
