Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH (SZFG) in Salzgitter, Germany, recently awarded VAI Automation a contract to modernize the complete automation system of its 5-stand Tandem Mill. As part of the contract, VAI will also supply a new Bending System for stands 1 to 4, including a plant safety system.

VAI’s scope for the process optimization includes the Dynamic Set-up Model for the online calculation of optimal pass schedules. The process control and regulation is carried out on the widely used, open Hard and Software Platform VANTAGE.

Modernization of the Tandem Mill will be implemented in two planned plant standstills and will considerably improve Salzgitter’s competitiveness. The upgrade will allow SZFG to enhance product quality by improving thickness and flatness tolerances. Implementation of the new bending system at stands 1 through 4 should help Salzgitter to reduce operating and maintenance costs, while the modernized automation system will help the company prepare for an extension to a continuous Tandem Rolling Mill.

Start-up of the automation systems is scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Quarter of 2006.

Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau (VAI), a company of the listed VA Technologie AG, is one of the world’s leading engineering and plant-building companies for the iron, steel and aluminum industries with a multinational company structure and special focus on technology, automation and services. VAI achieved total sales of 1,160 million EUR in 2004 and employs approximately 3,400 people worldwide.

The listed VA Technologie AG (VA Tech) is a focused Technology and Service Company which provides value to customers over the entire plant life cycle. Leading international positions are held in Metallurgy, Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution and Infrastructure.

Following the announcement on December 10, 2004, by Siemens AG Österreich of a takeover bid for VA TECH, the extended period of acceptance terminated on February 25, 2005. The total of own and tendered shares to Siemens amounts to 97.15%. Consequently, one precondition for a takeover by Siemens has been fulfilled. However, until the anti-trust authorities in the EU and Canada approve the takeover, both VA TECH and Siemens are subject to a prohibition on the concentration process.