[ High-Performance Alloys ]
[ High-Performance Alloys ]
Excellence plan to advance high-performance alloys
VDM Metals , the Acerinox Group division , announces new commitment to higher-value-added products . Among the planned investments is an atomizer for the production of stainless steel and high-performance-alloy powders for use in additive manufacturing . In tandem , Acerinox introduces Beyond Excellence , an ambitious and comprehensive operational excellence program for 2024 to 2026 .
Text and images by Acerinox
Both projects fall within the framework of Acerinox ’ s Strategic Plan and reinforce two of its pillars : added value , thanks to the new investments in VDM Metals , and excellence , through the Beyond Excellence program . The projects will also have a direct impact on the plan ’ s other two pillars : sustainability and financial strength . Acerinox focuses part of its strategy on the development and expansion of high-value-added products through investments in VDM Metals valued at 67 million euros . These investments will increase the division ’ s sales by 15 %. These investments will also strengthen integration by allowing the processing of high-performance alloys at the stainless steel manufacturing facilities at Campo de Gibraltar and increasing product range . The projects include the expansion of three remelting furnaces , the upgrade of an annealing and pickling line , and a defect detection line for bars , to name a few .
New powder atomizer for additive manufacturing Among the approved projects is the installation of a second powder atomizer for additive manufacturing ( 3D printing ). This investment will double the production capacity of this material , allowing growth in a market in which VDM Metals is already a highly valued supplier among customers . VDM will collaborate on this technology with the most prestigious equipment manufacturers . Acerinox is betting on the growth of this sophisticated material that is in high demand , taking a step forward in its strategy of manufacturing highervalue-added products and providing solutions for the stainless steel and highperformance-alloys markets .
Beyond Excellence program The Acerinox Group continues driving excellence through its Beyond Excellence program . The main objective of this plan is to improve the Group ’ s overall competitiveness through initiatives for continuous improvement that will be implemented at all factories between 2024 and 2026 . These initiatives will be based on digital transformation , interdisciplinary collaboration , and a commitment to innovation . The plan is built around six pillars ( decarbonization ; efficiency ; development of new product types ; productivity and automization ; quality ; and customer service and purchasing ), with specific objectives for each of these areas . It is set in motion with the following purposes :
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Improve the company ’ s operational performance and competitiveness .
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Achieve a recurring annual target of 100 million euros in EBITDA between 2024 and 2026 .
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Further a culture of continuous improvement and innovation throughout the organization , aligned with management by objectives .
To this end , the Group has identified new projects for 2024 that will focus on the following areas :
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Improve quality and output in the production of high-value-added stainless steels .
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Optimize the use of scrap metal as a main raw material .
•• Optimize mixes of raw materials .
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Increase equipment productivity thanks to digitalization .
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Use of predictive techniques to improve quality and maintenance .
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Improve consumable and energy efficiency , which will result in reduced CO2 emissions .
12 Stainless Steel World March 2024 www . stainless-steel-world . net