ArcelorMittal to Halt Duisburg-Ruhrort Steelmaking in 2027
Steel News | 2026-09-03 05:49:59
The planned shutdown will involve the steelmaking unit, continuous casting operations and billet rolling mill. Out of the total workforce of around 800 at the facility, nearly 550 employees could be affected, sources said.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): ArcelorMittal announced plans to stop steel production at its Duisburg-Ruhrort facility in Germany from October 2027. The move is feared to result in a significant reduction in employment at the site. The proposal still needs approval from the company's supervisory board.
The planned shutdown will involve the steelmaking unit, continuous casting operations and billet rolling mill. Out of the total workforce of around 800 at the facility, nearly 550 employees could be affected, sources said.
Meanwhile, the company's wire rod mill is expected to continue operating. It will receive billets from other ArcelorMittal facilities, including its Hamburg plant, as well as outside suppliers.
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A major factor behind the decision is the scheduled termination of ArcelorMittal's long-standing pig iron supply agreement with thyssenkrupp Steel. The contract, which has been in place since 1997, expires at the end of September 2027. ArcelorMittal had decided to end the contract as the arrangement has become increasingly costly due to rising carbon-related expenses.
The company explored other pig iron supply options but could not find an economically competitive solution. Also, conversion of the Duisburg operation to electric arc furnace technology was dropped on account of unfavourable investment and operating economics.
ArcelorMittal pointed to high manufacturing costs and challenging market conditions across Europe's steel sector as additional reasons for the planned closure.
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What do you think is the biggest factor behind ArcelorMittal’s planned Duisburg-Ruhrort steel production shutdown?
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does ArcelorMittal plan to stop steel production at Duisburg-Ruhrort?
ArcelorMittal plans to halt steel production at its Duisburg-Ruhrort facility from October 2027. The proposal still requires approval from the company's supervisory board.
- How many jobs could be affected by the planned shutdown?
Nearly 550 employees could be affected out of a total workforce of around 800 at the facility. The impact would primarily involve workers associated with steelmaking, continuous casting and billet rolling operations.
- Will all operations at the Duisburg-Ruhrort facility shut down?
No. The wire rod mill is expected to continue operating. It would source billets from other ArcelorMittal facilities, including Hamburg, as well as from external suppliers.
