ABB will provide automation, electrification, transmission, and motor products for the reinvestment project of SSAB hot rolling plant in Sweden
- ABB wins three related contracts for the new switchgear, control system, and main drive and motor of the precision rolling mill at SSAB’s Boren factory
- The steel producer aims to optimize efficiency and ensure production stability for 2026 and beyond through this reinvestment project
ABB has won three relevant contracts from SSAB, a well-known manufacturer in the field of high-strength steel manufacturing, to deploy automation, electrification, main rolling mill motors, and transmission technologies for its Boren plant in Sweden. ABB’s participation in the SSAB Boren Hot Rolling Plant comprehensive reinvestment project aims to help the steel manufacturer achieve ambitious green transformation goals. The project will be implemented between 2024 and 2027.
SSAB is a multinational enterprise with operations in over 50 countries and regions, with production bases in Finland, Sweden, and the United States. Its annual steel production is 8.8 million tons. As a pioneer in sustainable development in the metallurgical industry, SSAB aims to become a steel company that supplies fossil free steel to the market by 2026, while significantly reducing its long-term carbon dioxide emissions.
SSAB’s sustainable development ambition largely depends on the production stability of its Bologne plant, which is often referred to as the “heart” of its operations and has been engaged in steel manufacturing since 1878. The final implementation of the Boren factory modernization project will help ensure production stability, improve efficiency, and provide financial support for SSAB’s transition to fossil free steel production. Its uninterrupted operation is crucial for the construction of a new fossil free steel plant worth 50 billion Swedish kronor in Lule å, Sweden. With the gradual transfer of hot rolling equipment to the new Lulao factory, the Boren Hot Rolling Plant plans to shut down by 2030. ABB’s upgrade project will ensure its long-term productivity and efficiency before shutdown.
This collaboration highlights ABB’s firm commitment to supporting the steel industry’s transition towards a more sustainable future, “said Martin Bj ö rnmalm, Head of Steel and Nonferrous Metals at ABB Process Industries Sweden.” By optimizing the operation of the Boren plant, we are proud to play a role in SSAB’s pioneering efforts to achieve graphite free steel production
SSAB Chief Project Manager and Reinvestment Project Leader Mattias Gidlund emphasized the importance of selecting reliable local partners: “ABB’s global expertise combined with its strong local influence is a key factor in our decision-making. We believe that its comprehensive solution will ensure that the Boren factory continues to shine and become a cornerstone in ensuring our operational efficiency and production stability
This comprehensive solution demonstrates ABB’s ability to provide a full range of technologies and services, including:
01 Enhance the performance of switchgear
ABB will optimize and upgrade the switchgear to ensure the long-term reliability and high efficiency of 10.5kV power distribution for the entire Boren Hot Rolling Plant. This modernization renovation will fully utilize ABB’s industry expertise in switchgear upgrades, bringing many advantages such as extending the service life of existing switchgear, enhancing visibility and control through digitization, and improving the safety of arc fault detection.
02 Upgrade Control System
In order to improve diagnosis, troubleshooting, and create a unified system environment, ABB has worked closely with SSAB to develop a long-term upgrade roadmap to replace, upgrade, and integrate the remaining outdated control systems into the existing ABB Ability ™ System 800xA ® In the environment. In addition, the main desktop console of the existing factory operators will be replaced to enhance the modern working environment.
03 Replace the existing main transmission system and motor
This will improve the stability and reliability of operation. ABB will replace outdated frequency converter drives, motors, and transformers in three stages. In the summer of 2024, as the first step of the project, facilities will be upgraded, replaced, and enhanced.
ABB provides fully integrated automation and electrification solutions for steel and non-ferrous metal enterprises to improve productivity, quality, and availability. Based on technological innovation and over a century of industry knowledge, ABB provides users with multidimensional support to meet their product needs in new construction and modernization upgrade projects.
