Events Our largest conferences and market-leading events provide all participants with the best networking opportunities, making a significant contribution to their business.
Steel Video Steel Video SteelOrbis conferences, webinars and video interviews can be viewed on Steel Video.
Italian Minister of Economic Development Giancarlo Giorgetti, who also attended the ceremony via online broadcast, called the rolling mill “the real pride of the country.”
The plant required an investment of 190 million euros and took 20 months, with the ABS and Danieli teams working closely together. QWR 4.0, which Mr. Fedriga called “the best plant in the world in its field”, will allow ABS to play a leading role in the international market and will employ 158 specialized technicians.
QWR 4.0, the company explains. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology and will be used to produce wire rod from special high quality steel. When fully operational, the plant will have an annual capacity of 500,000 tons at a maximum speed of 400 km/h. This will make ABS one of the few international industries that can offer a full range of sizes. With a turnover of 200 million euros at full operation, production will be equally distributed between the local and foreign markets.
Unlike conventional commercial wire rod, the new QWR system is primarily designed to produce specialty steel rod widely used in the automotive industry for applications such as automotive suspensions, engine mounting screws, connecting rods and bearings. Applications also include drawing and welding.
The plant has been designed to be highly flexible, able to manage groups of conventional and special steel grades and thus operate according to a “custom” logic. The system has several security innovations, the concept of “zero human presence” has been implemented, and most of the processes and controls are highly automated.
“The use of Industry 4.0 solutions, the focus on the sustainability of the entire production process and the ability to combine these two factors with international competitiveness are additional advantages that should serve as a guide for all business realities,” said Mr. Fedriga.