In Riesa, the company inaugurates the first rolling mill in Germany with zero Scope 1 emissions.
- The plant is the first in Germany to produce Spooler.
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Feralpi Stahl is the first company in the world to produce Spooler weighing up to 8 tons.
With the official inauguration of the new rolling mill, FERALPI STAHL marks a turning point in the production of steel with low climate impact. The Italian-based multinational steel manufacturer Feralpi Group invested more than €220 million in the Riesa plant, the largest single investment in the Company's history in Germany. The startup of the plant will also create 100 new industrial jobs in Saxony.
The new zero Scope 1 emission spooler rolling mill represents a major technological leap: equipped with a zero-emission induction furnace system, it is the first in Germany to make continuous rolling by billet welding possible. A 300-m induction heated roller table directly connects the new rolling mill to the existing continuous casting plant.
This continuous hot process is electrically powered, thus avoiding direct CO₂ emissions. Thanks to this innovation, FERALPI STAHL tangibly contributes to the gradual decarbonisation of the steel industry. In the future, it will be possible to manufacture a hot rolled steel coil weighing eight tonnes, a product that will set new market standards.
The steel industry is undergoing a deep transformation.
The transition to climate neutrality requires new products, more efficient processes and a consistent circular economy: a process in which the steel industry plays a pivotal role.
The Minister President of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, stated:
"The Company’s investment in the new spooler rolling mill shows its confidence in Saxony as an industrial hub. In these challenging economic times, this is a significant move. That is why I believe it is so important that companies like FERALPI STAHL continue to find the right conditions for value creation and technological transformation with fair competition in the future. After all, this enables our economic sovereignty, an efficient use of resources and industrial jobs. The objectives set in the coalition agreement make me confident that the new federal government will act quickly on issues that are crucial also for the steel industry. I am referring in particular to competitive energy prices and the duration of authorisation procedures."
Giuseppe Pasini, Chairman of Feralpi Group, highlighted:
“The inauguration of the new Riesa plant testifies to our long-term vision and our ongoing commitment to investing in cutting-edged technologies to strengthen our competitiveness in the global market and to pursuing an increasingly sustainable production. We firmly believe in Germany's growth potential and we intend to be a driver for its economic boost. However, to translate our confidence into tangible results, it is essential to work synergistically with German and European governments. In particular, we consider it crucial to urgently address the issue of high energy prices — which severely affects the competitiveness of our industry —, in addition to acknowledging the centrality of ferrous scrap as a strategic raw material for circular economy and resilient manufacturing. Only through a targeted support in these two aspects, will we be able to unlock our full potential and significantly contribute to a thriving and sustainable future for Germany and Europe."
A symbol of long-term vision and industrial transformation
The new production line is part of a broader renovation plan. In addition to the rolling mill, work has also been launched on steel scrap processing plants, on a new electrical substation and on a redefined plant logistics. In this way, the recycling process can become even more efficient, constantly integrating energy from renewable sources.
"With the inauguration of the new rolling mill, we are concretely implementing our green steel vision," emphasised Uwe Reinecke, General Manager of FERALPI STAHL. "We are investing not only in technology, but also in the people who are making this transformation possible: more than 100 new jobs will be created. For us, it is a clear statement of commitment to Riesa, Saxony and the German steel industry."
