ArcelorMittal - Inauguration new oven and Customer Day

65 million euros for ultramodern oven

The headlines of the newspaper were written in response to the official inauguration on 8 November of a brand new oven in the immersion galvanizing line Sidgal 3, in the presence of Honorary Governor Jan Briers.

With the arrival of the oven, ArcelorMittal is able to cope with the latest generation of ultra-high-strength steels and the steel giant is further anchored in North Sea Port. On the same day, a 'Customer Day' took place, during which we introduced 150 customers to this groundbreaking line.

Over the past 5 years, ArcelorMittal Belgium has had an ambitious investment program of 250 million euros to produce the steel of the future. ArcelorMittal Gent and Liège play a leading role in product innovation and have been selected as pilot sites for the development of Fortiform®, a new high-tech steel product. The new steel grade is very interesting for car parts because it is 10-20 percent lighter, more economical and therefore better for the environment.

Academic session & Official inauguration

The Customer Day started with a networking lunch. Subsequently, customers were invited to an academic session with four speakers. Honorary Governor Jan Briers opened the session. CEO Manfred Van Vlierberghe concluded the academic session by zooming in on the strengths and strategic priorities of ArcelorMittal Belgium and on the exceptional properties of the new furnace in the immersion galvanizing line of Sidgal 3.

Afterwards the existing customers went to the immersion galvanizing line Sidgal 3. With the press of the red button, it finally happened and the new oven was unveiled to the attendees with a festive sound and light show.

Cultural evening activity

In the evening, visitors were guests at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent. During the walking dinner they had the unique opportunity to visit the restoration studio of the Lam Gods, the world-famous masterpiece of the Van Eyck brothers. Besides the Lamb of God, the temporary exhibition 'The Ladies of the Baroque' was also worth a visit.

A successful conclusion to a fascinating day.