Global steel giant ArcelorMittal has announced that it is currently installing a new high-technology welding line at its ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Lorraine facility in Uckange, France, with an investment of €7 million. Production is expected to begin in September 2019.
The company stated that the decision to locate the new welding line in Uckange is based on the proximity to the supply of press hardenable steel, which is required in the production of tailored blanks, from ArcelorMittal’s plants in Florange and Mouzon. Uckange is also well located for supply and distribution to ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks’ key automotive customers.
Bertrand Jacquier, CEO of ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Europe, stated that with this new line, ArcelorMittal will address the growing needs of car manufacturers to reach higher standards in terms of safety, lightweighting and emissions reduction.
Laser welded blanks (LWBs) are an innovative way for automakers to reduce the weight of their vehicles while improving safety at the same time.