Outokumpu modernizes stainless plate production in Sweden

Outokumpu, the world leader in stainless steel, celebrated the completion of a € 100 million investment to modernize its production facility, including a plate mill, in Degerfors, Sweden. The investment is designed to help improve economic performance throughout the entire manufacturing process and further strengthen Outokumpu's position as a leading manufacturer of stainless steel plates.

Outokumpu announced these investment plans in June 2010. The investment program involved the modernization of the entire production process at Degerfors and an increase in the plant's capacity by 30 percent to 155,000 tons per year. With the investment, Degerfors is able to produce flat products with even better surface quality, and has achieved more efficient production processes with low emissions.

The installed equipment includes, for example, a new level, batch ovens for heat treatment and other equipment related to the main and auxiliary processes for the production of stainless plates, which are ideal materials for creating long-term solutions in various fields.

Mika Seitovirta, CEO of Outokumpu, said that “The expansion project at Degerfors was an important investment for Outokumpu as we foresee a strong market potential for specialty plates. In addition to increasing the production capacity of our stainless plates, the investment will significantly improve the quality of our products, as well as its physical and mechanical properties to meet customer needs. "