Metso to supply automation and process electrification to Outokumpu’s new ferrochrome plant in Tornio, Finland

Metso will supply an extensive electrification and automation delivery to Outokumpu’s new ferrochrome plant in Tornio, Finland. The equipment will be installed in several phases during 2011 and 2012. The test runs in the new plants will start in late 2012.

Outokumpu will invest over EUR 440 million to double its present annual ferrochrome production capacity to about 530,000 tons once the extension is finalized in 2013. Metso’s delivery targets the new melting plant, the new sintering plant and the water plant as well as for the raw material dosage and the coke station. The value of the order is not disclosed. The order is included in Energy and Environmental Technology’s Q1/2011 orders received.

“Metso’s automation system provides our plant with a uniform, integrated operation system, making changing tasks and taking over from a colleague easy thanks to a common operator interface. Additionally, we will get uniform process reporting and management. From the maintenance point of view, having one automation system is a benefit, too,” says Antti Hemminki, who is in charge of electrification in Outokumpu’s F3 project.

Outokumpu’s ferrochrome plant is part of the Tornio steel plant, which is the world’s most integrated stainless steel production unit with all parts of the production chain located close to each other. In the ferrochrome facility some production plants already use Metso’s automation systems. Also, the Tornion Voima power plant located in the vicinity has Metso’s automation.

Outokumpu Group is one of the world’s leading producers of stainless steel. It has about 7,500 employees in over 30 countries. The head office is located in Espoo, Finland. www.outokumpu.com

Technical information

Metso’s delivery covers process electrification, electrical and automation design and process automation. The melting plant and sintering plant will have new Metso DNA automation systems with integrated safety logics. The delivery also includes an information management system to cover the whole ferrochrome plant. The turnkey delivery includes equipment installation, testing, training and extensive commissioning.

Metso is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling and the pulp and paper industries. We have about 28,500 employees in more than 50 countries. www.metso.com

For further information for the press, please contact:

Kari Karppinen, Sales Director, Automation business line, Metso, Tel. +358 400 638 531