Large order to boost Ascoval’s output

Northern France steelmaker Ascoval has received a significant order from the British Steel plant in Hayange, Moselle, Kallanish learns from trade union sources.

The supply of 140,000 tonnes of blooms and squared bars over 4 years starting in September 2020 is intended for the production of rails for the French national railway system SNCF. Following a difficult period, Ascoval is now developing sales and production volumes. Next year, including this new order, output should exceed 300,000t, Kallanish understands.

Ascoval is investing €16 million ($17.6m) in a new production line at its site in Saint Saulve supplied by Italian equipment maker Danieli. The new line should be up and running by August 2020. Saint Saulve was acquired by the investment fund Greybull which will invest €47 million into the plant in Saint Saulve. The same amount is also being invested by the French authorities, including the state and a number of regions, (see Kallanish 26 July).

Ascoval can produce between 250,000-600,000 tonnes/year of continuous cast bars depending on the product mix. The mill is equipped with one electric arc furnace.