German steelmaker Thyssenkrupp Steel has successfully started trial operations of its new continuous casting machine, SGA 4, at its plant in Duisburg, Germany. The company announced that the first slabs have been cast on the new machine, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing modernization efforts.
The new SGA 4 is part of Thyssenkrupp’s largest investment project in recent decades. Dennis Grimm, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Steel, emphasized that the machine will be a key element of one of Europe’s most advanced steel production networks. “The SGA 4 is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for steel production at our Duisburg plant,” Grimm said.
Equipped with cutting-edge automation and casting technology, the new line will provide highly accurate, flexible, and efficient slab production. It will also improve shape accuracy and surface quality, further boosting operational efficiency.
The successful casting of the first slabs marks an important step toward the full commissioning of the plant. Over the next few weeks, the new facility will be brought online in stages. The expansion includes a fully automated slab storage area and a revamped Hot Strip Mill No. 4, which now features a new pre-treatment line and two walking beam furnaces.
SGA 4 replaces the previous casting line and, along with Hot Strip Mill No. 4, will form an integrated production network at the Duisburg site.
The project in Bruckhausen is one of Thyssenkrupp Steel’s largest modernization initiatives and plays a key role in the company’s Strategy 20-30. This long-term strategy aims to make the Duisburg plant more efficient and adaptable, focusing on producing high-quality, premium products.
Additionally, Thyssenkrupp has announced plans to transform into a holding company with controlling interests in specific business segments. A detailed plan for this shift is expected to be presented to the Supervisory Board by the end of the current fiscal year. The transformation will involve the gradual separation of business segments and inviting third-party investments.
