Eregli Iron & Steel Works (Erdemir), Turkey, recently awarded SMS Demag AG, Germany, a contract to modernize the converter suspension system on three 120-tonne converter vessels.

This project is a retrofit scheme for converters and trunnion rings that are already in operation. SMS Demag’s scope includes modification of the bracket-type suspension to SMS Demag's lamella suspension system, including the vessel guides. The first few lamella-plate assemblies were to be delivered in December 2005, with the remaining ones to be delivered at the beginning of 2006.

SMS Demag will supervise the installation, starting on the first converter at the beginning of 2006.

This will be the second steelmaking plant of the Erdemir Group to be equipped with lamella suspension systems; the first was installed at the Iskenderun facility.

Erdemir produces heavy plates, hot and cold rolled steel as well as tinplate according to international quality standards. Erdemir plans to increase their annual production capacity to seven million tonnes by 2007, making it one of Europe's fastest growing steelmakers.

SMS Demag AG forms part of the Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology Business Area of the SMS group. SMS GmbH is the holding for a group of companies internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas of Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology, Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology and Plastics Technology. In the year 2004 some 9,500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of about EUR 2.20 billion.