voestalpine and Primetals Technologies

The partnership between voestalpine and Primetals Technologies is a testament to what can be achieved when two industry leaders share a common vision for progress, innovation, and sustainability. Spanning over seven decades, this relationship has shaped the trajectory of both companies and set new benchmarks for the steel industry worldwide.

Primetals Technologies and voestalpine: a Historically Close Partnership

The roots of this collaboration can be traced back decades, when voestalpine Industrieanlagenbau (VAI) was established as part of voestalpine, laying the foundation for a close and enduring relationship. From the outset, Primetals Technologies, through its predecessor companies, has played a pivotal role as a trusted supplier and technology partner to voestalpine. Together, they embarked on a journey marked by a shared commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Groundbreaking Innovations for a More Sustainable Steel Industry

Over the years, the partnership has been defined by a series of groundbreaking achievements. One of the many notable milestones in the last 30 years was the installation of the Maximized Emission Reduction of Sintering (MEROS) system. This pioneering solution set new standards for environmental performance in sinter plants. This project demonstrated the technical expertise of both companies and underscored their dedication to sustainable steel production—a value that remains at the core of their collaboration.

Building on this foundation, voestalpine and Primetals Technologies have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in steelmaking. The introduction of the Hydrogen-based Fine Ore Reduction (HYFOR) technology at voestalpine Donawitz is a prime example. As one of the world’s first industrial-scale hydrogen-based reduction processes, HYFOR represents a significant leap toward carbon-neutral steel production. The successful implementation of this technology is a direct result of the close cooperation, mutual trust, and relentless pursuit of innovation that characterize the partnership.

Tied by a Shared Passion for Innovation and Sustainability

The success of this partnership is built on the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing industry landscape. By working together, Primetals and voestalpine have been able to anticipate trends, respond to emerging challenges, and seize new opportunities—whether in digitalization, automation, or sustainability. This includes the Hy4Smelt project, an industrial-scale prototype plant for hydrogen-based direct reduction combined with a smelter for ultra-low-carbon liquid hot metal production, and the installation of a new EAF Ultimate including comprehensive environmental solutions. Both the Hy4Smelt and EAF Ultimate projects are part of voestalpine’s decarbonization program. Looking to the future, voestalpine and Primetals Technologies remain united in their mission to drive the transformation of the steel industry toward sustainability and digitalization.