Thyssenkrupp Steel has made significant progress in its ongoing investments, with the new annealing and isolating line now in operation and the modernization of its Bochum facility nearly complete, the company announced.
The energy-efficient plant is designed to produce up to 0.2 mm thin electrical sheets with highly homogeneous mechanical and magnetic properties, tailored to meet the needs of efficient motors, particularly in electric vehicles. The upstream rolling mill, equipped with a state-of-the-art double reversing stand, has already been completed.
A new electrical steel inspection line and finishing line, for which the order has been placed, will further enhance production. The finishing line is set to begin operations in 2026.
The new annealing and isolating line will produce over 200,000 tons of non-grain-oriented electrical steel annually. The SMS Group, based in Dusseldorf, is the project partner for the construction of the plant.
The Bochum site is being transformed into a center of excellence for electric mobility and high-strength materials, with the completion of the double reversing stand and annealing line marking key steps in this evolution. As electric mobility advances, the plant will increase its production of highly specialized electrical steel, which is crucial for improving energy efficiency and extending the range of electric vehicles. The annealing process recrystallizes the cold-rolled strip, setting the texture and applying an insulating layer, essential for boosting the efficiency of electric motors and minimizing core losses.
Current electrical steel production continues at the Castroper Strasse plant, but the new high-tech units will be required to meet future market demands. Production will gradually shift to the new facilities once the finishing line at Essener Strasse is operational.
