NLMK begins modernization process at a Belgian plant

NLMK La Louvière, a leading flat steel producer in Belgium and part of the Russian NLMK group, received the first major equipment to modernize a hot strip mill, worth 150 million euros, which will allow the company to expand its production of thinner and stronger materials. As a result, more environmentally friendly steel will be produced for customers in the European Union.

At the beginning of last month, two 100-ton buildings were delivered to the Belgian plant for the first of three workshops, one of which is due to be commissioned by the end of the year.

The casings were supplied by Primetals Technologies, which was awarded a contract last year to modernize the hot strip mill.

Investments in the modernization of La Louvière are part of NLMK Group's 2022 strategy. With improved capabilities, the plant will increase its share of the HRC niche market.

The upgrades and upgrades include the installation of a state-of-the-art automation system, three new and three upgraded mill stands, new drives and motors, as well as a new exit table, upgraded cooling and water systems, and a new downcoiler.

The project will allow the mill to expand production of high-strength hot-rolled steel coils (up to 1.2 mm thick), expand the range of high-strength products with a yield strength over 1000 MPa and provide customers with the best-in-class surface and overall dimensions. tolerances.


The first phase of the refinery's transformations is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, and the second phase will be completed in 2021.