"The ladle furnace allows precise control of the chemical composition and temperature of the liquid steel and slag, thus satisfying an important basic requirement for the further process steps aimed at producing high-quality steel grades and also functions as a buffer for the molten metal upstream of the remaining processing stations," the company said in a statement. 

In addition to the mechanical and electrical equipment, SMS group will supply the gas cleaning plant, an additives-handling system and the water treatment plant. It also will oversee installation and commissioning. 

Commissioning is scheduled for the second quarter of 2018.