Strategic Shift at Duisburg-Nordthyssenkrupp Steel, one of Europe’s leading steel producers, has announced an ambitious plan to convert a key continuous casting line at its Duisburg-Nord plant. The move comes as part of a broader transition strategy to prepare for the cessation of slab supplies from Hüttenwerke Krupp-Mannesmann after 2032. The conversion is aimed at enabling in-house production of narrow slabs required for medium-wide strip steel, a core product for the automotive and industrial sectors.

New Divider Technology to Enable Narrow Slab CastingTo achieve this, a technical enhancement is being implemented, a divider will be installed in the continuous casting line. This will allow the line, which currently produces broader slab formats, to be adjusted for casting narrower slabs. These slabs are critical for rolling into strip steel widths of around 600 mm, used in highly specialized industrial applications. This innovation is expected to ensure continuity and autonomy in production once HKM supplies are phased out.

Major Investment Already Approvedthyssenkrupp has secured approval for a high double-digit million $ investment for the project. This substantial funding underscores the steelmaker’s commitment to long-term operational self-sufficiency and its intent to maintain control over its entire production chain. The exact amount was not disclosed, but it reflects the scale and importance of the upgrade.

HKM Supply Phase-Out by 2032Historically, thyssenkrupp sourced narrow slabs from HKM, located in Duisburg, and transported them to its Hohenlimburg site. There, they were processed into medium-wide strip steel used by automotive, appliance, and engineering clients. With Thyssenkrupp’s recent announcement to discontinue slab intake from HKM post-2032, internal realignment became essential.

Focus on Medium-Wide Strip Steel CustomersThe primary customers of thyssenkrupp’s Hohenlimburg site rely on the consistent supply of medium-wide strip steel with specific technical standards. The revamped casting process at Duisburg-Nord is expected to match or exceed existing quality benchmarks. This assurance is critical for maintaining long-standing contracts with key industrial clients in Germany and across Europe.

Enhancing Control over Steel Value ChainThe strategic shift will allow thyssenkrupp to reduce reliance on external suppliers, enabling better management of quality, logistics, and cost. By integrating narrow slab production in-house, the company strengthens its resilience amid global steel market volatility. It also reflects a growing trend among European steelmakers to localize supply chains and streamline production.

Sustainability & Decarbonisation ContextAlthough not directly mentioned, the casting line upgrade aligns with broader sustainability goals. In-house production is expected to reduce transport emissions and potentially integrate with decarbonisation technologies like H₂-based steelmaking in the future. As the European Union tightens environmental regulations, such investments help position Thyssenkrupp as a forward-looking industry leader.

Timeline & Future ImplicationsThe installation is expected to proceed in phases, well in advance of the 2032 deadline. The transition will involve testing, calibration, and workforce training to ensure seamless operation. Once operational, the upgraded line is expected to secure a critical supply link for Thyssenkrupp’s downstream processes and reinforce its position in the high-performance steel market.

Key Takeaways

• thyssenkrupp Steel is converting a continuous casting line at Duisburg-Nord to produce narrow slabs internally by installing a divider.

• The change follows its decision to stop slab procurement from HKM after 2032 and involves a high double-digit million $ investment.

• The upgrade ensures continued supply of medium-wide strip steel for automotive and industrial customers, while enhancing supply chain control.