Primetals Technologies and Thyssenkrupp Steel have celebrated the start up of slab caster no.4 and hot-strip mill no.4 at Thyssenkrupp’s Bruckhausen site in Duisburg Germany. The caster and mill were supplied by Primetals and have increased capacity from 1.8Mt to 3.1Mt per year.

Dennis Grimm, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Steel said: “This project is a decisive milestone in strengthening our leadership in technological and quality terms, while meeting the increasing expectations of our customers.

“We now possess one of the most modern production networks in the European steel industry. This will enable us to optimise our slab and hot-strip qualities significantly with the aim of further developing our product portfolio in line with future requirements.”

The upgraded 2-strand continuous caster no.4 includes features such as an advanced mechanical solution that enables fast and flexible slab width changes, plus an automation system that can ensure optimal secondary cooling.

On the other hand, hot-strip mill no.4 allows Thyssenkrup to improve yield and expand its portfolio, as it can produce high-strength steel and grades for the e-mobility sector. The enhancements are also managed by an automation system which can ensure precise control of the strip rolling process while maintaining high-quality and stable operations.

The project faced several challenges including time-restraints and the number of workers on-site simultaneously, however Primetals were able to deliver the project on time.

Hans-Juergen Zeiher, executive vice president and head of global business unit electrics and automation at Primetals said: “Over the past several months of construction work and commissioning, Primetals Technologies and Thyssenkrupp Steel have worked closely together to reach this significant milestone.

“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.”

The partnership between the two has also led to a two-year maintenance contract for caster no.4, where Primetals will provide roller inspection, refurbishment and technical support.

This project is part of Thyssenkrupp’s wider modernisations plans, as slab caster no.3 is scheduled for 2026.