Marcegaglia selects Primetals for stainless steel meltshop upgrade in Sheffield

Primetals Technologies has been chosen to modernize the spout-type electric arc furnace (EAF) plant and its dedusting system at Marcegaglia’s Sheffield meltshop. This upgrade aims to improve both efficiency and environmental performance. The implementation is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026.

Marcegaglia Group, a major player in the global steel industry specializing in steel product transformation, entered the liquid steel production market in 2023 through the acquisition of Outokumpu’s stainless steel long product division, which includes the Sheffield Meltshop. This facility focuses on producing stainless steel billets, blooms, and slabs.

In August 2024, Marcegaglia tasked Primetals Technologies with a comprehensive modernization of the Sheffield plant’s spout-type electric arc furnace and its dedusting system. This decision followed a study by Primetals Technologies aimed at optimizing the meltshop’s productivity.

Efficiency and Environmental Enhancements

Sheffield holds historical significance as the birthplace of stainless steel production, with the material first developed in the city by English metallurgist Harry Brearley in 1913. The modernization contract between Marcegaglia and Primetals Technologies was signed in the Harry Brearley suite, a part of Marcegaglia’s on-site conference center, in tribute to this rich history.

The planned upgrades are expected to improve the plant's efficiency and reduce its environmental impact, reinforcing its position as a leader in green steel production within the U.K. To ensure minimal downtime, larger furnace components will be preassembled, and the completion of the project is scheduled for mid-2026. The upgrades are expected to increase the plant’s productivity to over 500,000 tons of stainless steel annually, which will be further processed within Marcegaglia Group.

Optimizing the Melting Process

The project includes a complete rebuild of the furnace, expanding its diameter to facilitate scrap charging and reduce delays in the melting process. The new furnace, with a diameter of 7.1 meters, is designed to maximize the use of the existing transformer power and incorporate shell exchange practices to minimize downtime. Additionally, the hydraulic unit and furnace platform will be upgraded to speed up furnace operations.

The production process will be further enhanced by the installation of a dedicated burner system and a lime-dolo injection system. The dedusting system will also be upgraded with new water-cooled ducts and a drop-out box to ensure better furnace pressure control and improved extraction of thermal power from fumes.

Leadership in Stainless Steel Production

Dr. Antonio Marcegaglia, President and CEO, and Dr. Emma Marcegaglia, Vice President and CEO, expressed their satisfaction with selecting Primetals Technologies for this significant investment. Several factors, including Primetals’ strong track record and expertise in stainless steel production, influenced the decision. This project represents an important step in Marcegaglia Group's venture into steel production.

Marcegaglia Group, headquartered in Gazoldo degli Ippoliti, Italy, is a global leader in steel product transformation. The group operates 36 plants across four continents, employs around 7,500 people, and has a total production capacity of 6.5 million tons of carbon and special steels.

Source and Photo: Primetals