ABB, provider of fully integrated automation and electrification solutions to metals plants for higher productivity, quality and availability, has secured three related contracts with Swedish steelmaker SSAB, a global leader in high-strength steel production, to deploy automation, electrification, main stand motors and drives technologies to the company's Borlänge facility in Sweden.
ABB claims it is part of a comprehensive reinvestment project at SSAB Borlänge’s current hot-rolling mill, supporting the steelmaker’s green transition goals. The reinvestment project will be carried out between 2024 and 2027.
SSAB is a global company with a presence in over 50 countries and has production sites in Finland, Sweden and the US, with an annual steel production capacity of 8.8Mt.
As is well-documented, SSAB has the ambition to be the first steel company to offer fossil-free steel to the market in 2026 and largely eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from its operations in the long term. The company is widely regarded as a sustainability leader within the metals industry.
SSAB’s sustainability ambition, says ABB, relies heavily on the stable production of steel at the Borlänge mill, which is often known as the 'heart' of its operations. The decision to modernize Borlänge, which was established in 1878, will secure its production stability, drive efficiencies and finance SSAB’s goal of transitioning to fossil-free steel production, ABB claims. Its continued operation is essential to facilitate the construction of a new SEK 50 billion fossil-free steel mill in Luleå, Sweden. With hot-rolling set to be moved to the new mill in Luleå, the hot-rolling mill in Borlänge is slated for decommissioning by 2030. ABB’s upgrade project will ensure its continued productivity and efficiency until that time.
“This collaboration underscores ABB’s unwavering commitment to supporting the steel industry’s transition towards a more sustainable future."
Martin Björnmalm, local business line manager for metals in Sweden, ABB Process Industries.
“This collaboration underscores ABB’s unwavering commitment to supporting the steel industry’s transition towards a more sustainable future,” said Martin Björnmalm, local business line manager for metals in Sweden, ABB Process Industries. “By optimizing operations at Borlänge we are proud to play a part in SSAB’s pioneering efforts to achieve fossil-free steel production.”
Mattias Gidlund, principal project manager responsible for the reinvestment project at SSAB, highlighted the importance of a trusted local partner: “ABB's global expertise combined with their strong local presence were key factors in our decision. We are confident that their comprehensive solutions will ensure the continued success of the Borlänge mill and contribute significantly to our operations efficiency and production stability.”
ABB claims that it will be delivering a range of technologies and services to SSAB's Borlange mill designed to enhance switchgear performance, upgrade control systems, and replacing existing main drives and motors.