Trial production has commenced at Arcelor’s new high-capacity medium section mill at the Esch-Belval works in Luxemburg. The second beam produced satisfied the standard dimensions and was of merchantable quality.

A consortium headed by SMS Meer GmbH, Germany, had erected the turnkey plant, which boasts high flexibility and a high degree of automation. All mill stands utilize the proven CCS^® principle, which facilitates automated quick roll and guides changing and rolling with close tolerances as a result of specific controlled hydraulic adjustment systems. The plant also includes a CRS^® straightener, which is equipped with straightening rollers supported in bearings on both sides. The straightener also permits straightening roller changing in less than 20 minutes.

The new plant was designed with a particular emphasis on automated operation of the mill as well safety and environmental protection.

SMS Meer GmbH forms part of the Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology Business Area of the SMS group. The SMS group is 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 2003 around 9500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of around EUR 2.20 billion.