Dillinger Hütte to build new EUR 300 million continuous casting line – one of the biggest single investments ever at the site

The vertical type of caster, which has already proven its effectiveness in Dillingen, is to be employed. The new Continuous Caster 6 will replace Continuous Caster 3. With this investment of around EUR 300 million – one of the biggest single investments ever at the Dillingen site – Dillinger Hütte underscores its technological leadership in the production of premium continuously cast slabs for the most demanding heavy plate specifications. “With this investment we are staying true to our strategy of continuously investing in modern equipment and processes – which is essential to our ability to operate worldwide as a manufacturer with a premium product mix,” explained Dr. Karlheinz Blessing, Chairman of the Board of Management at Dillinger Hütte. Dr. Norbert Bannenberg, Executive Officer of the Technical Division, added: “This investment decision is important to securing the future of Dillinger Hütte and indicates the company’s commitment to the Saarland steelmaking site.” Construction of the new facility is to begin in fall 2011 and the start of operation is planned for the first half of 2014. The Supervisory Board’s decision in favor of the new CC6 also represents a special highlight of the 50th anniversary of continuous slab casting in Dillingen. With the 1961 start-up of the world’s first continuous caster for heavy slab, producing dimensions up to 1,500 mm wide x 200 mm thick, Dillinger Hütte placed itself at the forefront of technological development. The company has since repeatedly confirmed its leading position, most recently in October 2010 when the CC5 continuous caster – with a capacity for thicknesses of 450 mm – enabled the company to once again produce the world’s thickest slabs.