NLMK Clabecq Launches Rolling Mill Upgrade to Expand Plate Range

Leading Belgian producer of thin premium steel plate NLMK Clabecqs, part of NLMK Group, a Metal-Expo regular exhibitor, has embarked on a 30 million euro project to upgrade its rolling mill, continuing to position itself as a key player in the thin-gauge steel plate market and in particular quenched and tempered steel plates. NLMK has succeeded in implementing the first part of its transformation plan launched in 2019.

Operational improvements re-affirm the target of focusing on thin gauge and high strength plus abrasion resistant plates. Despite the challenges of the current COVID crisis on the steel market, NLMK is going ahead with the roll out of its development plan. The investments will allow the production of very thin plate in high strength ranges with better tolerances while reducing gas consumption and CO2 output. The NLMK Clabecq thin gauge product range allows customers to design lighter solutions that reduce life-cycle CO2 footprints.

The revamping of the rolling mill includes the installation of a new descaling system with two new descalers and the modernization of the four stand finishing mill, a unique layout for plate producers.

The investments will enable the mill to continue to position itself as a key player in the thin-gauge steel market and provide customers with best-in-class surface, flatness and dimensional tolerances for the QUARD and QUEND range of products. The modernization of the descaling system and the revamping of the Finishing Mill will be concluded in late 2021.

NLMK Clabecq is a major player in the niche markets of thin plates, abrasion resistant steels up to 550 HB Quard and steels with very high yield strength up to 1100 MPa Quend in thicknesses from 3.2 to 64 mm. These brands are especially popular with manufacturers of construction equipment and mining machinery.

NLMK Group welcomes all steel industry professionals to visit its stand at Metal-Expo'2020, the 26th International Exhibition, November 10-13, Hall 57, VDNHa, Moscow, Russia. Stand N 2B10.