In a press release, voestalpine said the pickling line with tandem cold mill will be fully automated and will use hydrochloric acid for pickling rather than sulfuric acid. The investment, it said, will allow pickling and cold rolling to take place in one single facility, thereby shortening processing time and simplifying logistics. Previously, hot strip bundles were transported between pickling line 1 and cold rolling mill 3.
 
“We are continuously working to extend our technology and innovation leadership,” said Herbert Eibensteiner, chief executive officer of voestalpine AG. “The new facility will be state-of-the-art in terms of both digitalized processes and sustainability.”
 
BETA 3 is expected to begin operations in late 2023.