Austria-based plantmaker Siemens VAI Metals Technologies announced on July 21 that it has received orders to modernize electric arc furnaces for both Saudi Iron and Steel Company (Hadeed) and Finnish stainless steelmaker Outokumpu. Both plants will be equipped with a new hydraulic system which will improve the efficiency, availability and productivity of the furnaces. The orders are said to be worth several million euro. The projects are scheduled to be finished in the fall of 2010 and by the end of 2011 respectively.
Electric arc furnace No. 1 in Hadeed's steel works in Al-Jubail and electric arc furnace No. 1. in Outokumpu's stainless steel works in Tornio will each be fitted with a new hydraulic system, lifting columns for the carbon electrodes and current-conducting electrode arms.