German steelmaker Thyssenkrupp has announced that it started the construction of its new hot dip galvanizing line called FBA10 at its Dortmund site, following approval by the district government in Arnsberg. The new galvanizing line is scheduled to launch operation in 2021, and is expected to create more than 100 new job opportunities in Dortmund.
Once it is completed, the new line, which is being built at a cost in the low three-digit millions, will have a capacity of 600,000 mt per year. The FBA10 galvanizing line will produce steels for interior vehicle parts and outer panel applications as well as highly innovative zinc-magnesium products with low coating thicknesses that save material and costs while ensuring high durability, according to the company statement.
“There is a substantial shift in the automotive industry from electrogalvanized to hot dip galvanized steels,” said Premal Desai, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Steel. “Our new hot dip coating line will support this trend and exploit market potential. The line is a key element of our strategy to differentiate ourselves from the competition through high-tech products. So FBA10 is an important step in the successful and sustainable development of Thyssenkrupp Steel,” he stated.