Austria-based plantmaker Siemens Metal Technologies has announced that it will upgrade the electric arc furnace at the Emmenbrücke plant of Switzerland-based Swiss Steel AG, a part of Schmolz + Bickenbach Group, the world's largest manufacturer, processor and distributor of special steel long products.
The upgrade project aims to shorten process times and cut conversion costs. As a result, production capacity is expected to rise to 650,000 mt of steel per year and, at the same time, operating safety will be increased and maintenance costs reduced. The project is due to be completed in August 2013.
In the European long products market, Swiss Steel AG is a leading vendor of quality, stainless and machining steels for the automotive industry and machine construction. The company's steel production in 2011 amounted to around 560,000 mt.