Work on the replacement of the Contrecoeur-West bar mill’s reheating furnace, at a cost of CAD$33 million, officially began in the week of April 9 with the start of construction work on the site. The groundbreaking ceremony, using ArcelorMittal orange shovels made especially for the occasion, was carried out this Tuesday, April 10. It was attended by our CEO, François Perras, and members of the local management, the union and the project team. The new furnace will increase the company’s rolling capacity and lead to greater productivity, optimal energy use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Preparation will continue until August, when excavation and concrete pouring will begin. The start-up of the new furnace is scheduled for mid-2019 as agreed in the initial schedule.

This work is part of the CAD$70 million investment announced last January (press release), which also included a new reheating furnace for the Contrecoeur-East wire rod mill (CAD$30 million) and a new dust collector for the Contrecoeur-West steelworks (CAD$6 million). Both projects will begin later in 2018.

Congratulations to the project teams for the journey so far!