Primetals Technologies and Marcegaglia Partnership

Marcegaglia’s Partnership with Primetals Technologies to Result in Significant Productivity Improvements

Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield has partnered with Primetals Technologies to modernise and optimise production across its Sheffield minimill, supporting plans to double annual production capacity from 250,000 to 500,000 tonnes. The project includes advanced automation, intralogistics systems, process optimisation solutions, intelligent sensors, and ladle tracking technology across the meltshop and scrap yard.

The upgrade is based on a Through-Process Optimization (TPO) study carried out by Primetals Technologies, which identified production bottlenecks and established a clear roadmap for future improvements. The study played a key role in Marcegaglia's decision to award both this automation project and a recent electric arc furnace revamp to Primetals.

The first phase includes the installation of Melt Expert, an automated electrode control system for electric arc and ladle furnaces. Future phases will introduce Level 2 process optimisation systems for the electric arc furnace (EAF), argon-oxygen decarburisation (AOD), and ladle furnace (LF), providing dynamic process control, advanced metallurgical models, and improved cost efficiency. Long-term plans also include replacing the existing electric arc furnace to support future productivity growth.

The project reflects a long-term partnership focused on continuous improvement, operator training, and knowledge transfer. Additional technologies include Scrap Yard Supervisor, Scrap Basket Profile Monitor, and Ladle Tracker, helping optimise material usage, improve product quality, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.

Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield is a leading producer of long stainless steel products, manufacturing high-quality grades, shapes, and sizes with over 90% recycled content and a below-average carbon footprint.