NLMK’s La Louvière mill in Belgium began its €150mn ($178mn) hot strip mill modernization project that expands its ability to produce high strength thin rolled steel coils that meet the steelmaker’s improved environmental goals.
The mill’s annual production capacity after revamping will increase by 13pc to 2.2mn mt from 1.7mn mt for hot-rolled steel while pickled steel output would rise by 15pc to 1.5mn mt from 1.3mn mt.
The mill’s modernization includes installation of an upgraded automation system, mills stands, new motors, new down-coiler, and revamped cooling and water systems.
The first stage of pre-assembly for the three new finishing mill stands is expected to end by late November 2020. The old finishing mill stands will be dismantled and replaced after the pre-assembled units are tested. The second segment is expected to be completed in Q1 2021.