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thyssenkrupp, Primetals Technologies Start Up Slab Caster and Hot Strip Mill
07/07/2025 - thyssenkrupp Steel successfully started up slab caster No. 4 and hot strip mill No. 4, both supplied by Primetals Technologies, at its site in Duisburg, Germany.
The companies said the project’s aim was to separate the combined casting and rolling line into two distinct units. thyssenkrupp estimates the revamped caster and modernized hot strip mill has increased the facility’s capacity from 1.8 to 3.1 million metric tons per year.
“This project is a decisive milestone in strengthening our leadership in technological and quality terms, while meeting the increasing expectations of our customers,” said Dennis Grimm, chief executive officer of thyssenkrupp Steel.
The upgraded 2-strand continuous caster No. 4 can process slabs from 800 to 1,800 mm wide and 257 mm thick. It has features including the DynaWidth mold width adjustment system, DynaFlex hydraulic oscillator, level 2 automation system, CC optimizer and Dynacs 3D. The partnership between the companies also includes a two-year maintenance contract for the ECO-star roller repairs and services on the caster.
The hot strip mill has a single-strand 4-high reversing roughing mill with attached edger and patented Encopanels. The first two finishing mill stands and strip cooling system were upgraded along with a level 1 and 2 automation system. The company said the modernization will allow it to improve yield and expand its product portfolio to include high-strength steel and grades for the e-mobility sector.
The mill enhancements are managed by automation solutions including the contour and flatness optimizer. It also has an extended laminar cooling section with level 2 strip cooling models.
“We now possess one of the most modern production networks in the European steel industry. This will enable us to optimize our slab and hot strip qualities significantly with the aim of further developing our product portfolio in line with future requirements, particularly in the case of multi-phase steels, high-strength steels, and grades for electric mobility and the energy turnaround,” said Grimm.
Challenges to the project’s success included a tight schedule and up to 1,000 workers on-site at the same time. Despite this, Primetals Technologies completed the project on time.
“Our teams have definitely gone the extra mile — both on the construction site and throughout the planning and engineering phases — to ensure the success of this challenging project, all while operating under intense time constraints,” said Hans-Juergen Zeiher, executive vice president and head of global business unit electrics and automation at Primetals Technologies.
The start-up ceremony was attended by both political and industry leaders including Mona Neubaur, minister of economic affairs and climate protection for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and top executives from both companies.
The company said this is part of a broader modernization plan which began in 2021 when it ordered a reversing cold mill, hot strip mill and two thick-slab continuous casters from Primetals Technologies. The cold mill began operations in September 2023 at the Bochum site while the slab caster No. 3 is scheduled for start-up in 2026.
“This project is a decisive milestone in strengthening our leadership in technological and quality terms, while meeting the increasing expectations of our customers,” said Dennis Grimm, chief executive officer of thyssenkrupp Steel.
The upgraded 2-strand continuous caster No. 4 can process slabs from 800 to 1,800 mm wide and 257 mm thick. It has features including the DynaWidth mold width adjustment system, DynaFlex hydraulic oscillator, level 2 automation system, CC optimizer and Dynacs 3D. The partnership between the companies also includes a two-year maintenance contract for the ECO-star roller repairs and services on the caster.
The hot strip mill has a single-strand 4-high reversing roughing mill with attached edger and patented Encopanels. The first two finishing mill stands and strip cooling system were upgraded along with a level 1 and 2 automation system. The company said the modernization will allow it to improve yield and expand its product portfolio to include high-strength steel and grades for the e-mobility sector.
The mill enhancements are managed by automation solutions including the contour and flatness optimizer. It also has an extended laminar cooling section with level 2 strip cooling models.
“We now possess one of the most modern production networks in the European steel industry. This will enable us to optimize our slab and hot strip qualities significantly with the aim of further developing our product portfolio in line with future requirements, particularly in the case of multi-phase steels, high-strength steels, and grades for electric mobility and the energy turnaround,” said Grimm.
Challenges to the project’s success included a tight schedule and up to 1,000 workers on-site at the same time. Despite this, Primetals Technologies completed the project on time.
“Our teams have definitely gone the extra mile — both on the construction site and throughout the planning and engineering phases — to ensure the success of this challenging project, all while operating under intense time constraints,” said Hans-Juergen Zeiher, executive vice president and head of global business unit electrics and automation at Primetals Technologies.
The start-up ceremony was attended by both political and industry leaders including Mona Neubaur, minister of economic affairs and climate protection for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and top executives from both companies.
The company said this is part of a broader modernization plan which began in 2021 when it ordered a reversing cold mill, hot strip mill and two thick-slab continuous casters from Primetals Technologies. The cold mill began operations in September 2023 at the Bochum site while the slab caster No. 3 is scheduled for start-up in 2026.
