In a statement, Optimus said the work will include a new, state-of-the-art walking beam furnace and a new roughing and intermediate mill.  

The reheat furnace will have an annual capacity of at least 800,000 tons. It, along with the roughing and intermediate mills, are scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2024. 

“This new project is an important phase to ultimately allow Optimus to produce 1.2 million tons of finished products, fed by billets from its meltshop which recently saw investments that included a more powerful transformer from Tamini Group, electric arc furnace improvements and a continuous caster revamp from SMS group,” the company said in a statement. 

The new Danieli contract follows an order for a straight rebar outlet, now under construction, as well as for improvements to the rod mill, which were completed by Danieli and Sund Birsta. Those improvements included a new high-speed shear, laying head, and coiling and compacting line.

Optimus said that when the new straight rebar facility is completed and the new roughing and intermediate mills are installed, the plant will have two complete rolling mills, each of which can be fed either by the new or existing reheat furnace. 

“This will make Optimus Steel a reference for the rolling of long products, with each mill being highly flexible and efficient. It will also allow the company to produce a wider range of high-quality products in a safer manner,” the company said.