• Investment in the mid double-digit million range as part of Strategy 20-30
• Fully automated slab storage yard for new continuous caster in Duisburg-Bruckhausen
• Digitized slab logistics for efficient process flow between new continuous caster 4, new hot strip mill 4 and distribution of external slab deliveries
• Warehouse management system for optimum utilization of the 19,200 m² slab storage yard incl. the necessary warehouse logistics processes
• Danieli is already involved in other core elements of the investment program 20-30

As part of its Strategy 20-30 thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG has placed an order worth a mid-double-digit million euro amount for a fully automatic slab storage yard with the Italian plant supplier Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA. based in Buttrio/UD. The special feature of this project is that it ensures intelligent logistics control with real-time synchronization of approx. 1.7 million tonnes of slabs per year, some of which come directly from the new continuous caster in the new hot strip mill 4 or from the new walking beam furnaces. In addition, a warehouse management system will be installed which calculates in real time the distribution of slabs from different sources and optimizes all crane movements. Another advantage, aside from the optimal use of the 19,200 m² slab storage yard, is the higher operational safety, since no staff is needed on the ground. Danieli will supply four fully automatic slab cranes and undertake the construction and installation of the complete structural steelwork.

The completion is divided into two phases: In the first phase, four cranes and crane runways will be commissioned by the end of 2022/beginning of 2023. In the second phase, the entire slab storage yard including two holding furnaces will be commissioned by mid-2023.

Intensive cooperation on strategic new buildings

This February, the Duisburg-based branch of the Italian plant supplier Danieli was already awarded the contract for the construction of the walking beam furnaces for the new hot strip mill 4. These units are the core elements of thyssenkrupp Steel’s investment Strategy 20-30. By separating the casting-rolling line at the Bruckhausen site into a new continuous caster and a hot strip mill with new key components, the Duisburg-based steel company can further enhance its capabilities for high-strength steels and premium finishes.

DANIELI Olivotto Ferré will also supply two holding furnaces, each with a capacity of 2,000 tonnes, to utilize the thermal energy of the slabs coming from the continuous caster. Here the slabs can be stored temporarily before they are conveyed to the two aforementioned walking beam furnaces of hot strip mill 4.