Press report, 02-01-2008
Startup of wire production in Werdohl: Modernized production lines increase competitiveness of ThyssenKrupp VDM
ThyssenKrupp VDM GmbH is working intensively to cement and strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-performance nickel alloys. To achieve this goal, various measures with investments of more than 70 million euros have been launched as part of a forward strategy. They include the relocation of wire production from Bärenstein to Werdohl, where the company’s headquarters is based. A state-of-the-art production line for nickel alloy and high-alloy special stainless steel wire has been created which officially began operation today. “The move took place while production continued, allowing us to guarantee supplies to our worldwide customers at all times,” said Dr. Jürgen Olbrich, Chairman of the Management Board of ThyssenKrupp VDM, at the opening: “With the new and extensively modernized wire production line ThyssenKrupp VDM is ideally equipped for the future”.
Competitive wire production was no longer possible at the previous site in Bärenstein. Increased demands on equipment, logistics and production efficiency made it necessary to move to the company’s main base. Rolled, heavy, fine and flat wire as well as heating elements and welding wire are now produced at the Werdohl plant. Approximately 550 tons of wire per month will be produced in an 11,000 square meter building. The investment has cost around twelve million euros. The roughly 160 employees in Bärenstein have found new jobs within ThyssenKrupp VDM. “This step will significantly improve the competitiveness of ThyssenKrupp VDM. Where possible we follow the principle that restructuring goes before job losses,” said Dr. Michael Rademacher, Vice Chairman of ThyssenKrupp Stainless AG. “This is also a signal for Germany: Companies like ThyssenKrupp are investing here, companies can produce at competitive cost in this country,” he continued.
The new wire plant in Werdohl is part of a ThyssenKrupp VDM investment program totaling more than 70 million euros. The program also includes the expansion of remelting capacities and the building of a forging line at the company’s Unna site.
ThyssenKrupp VDM, a subsidiary of ThyssenKrupp Stainless AG, has been developing high-performance materials for more than 75 years. ThyssenKrupp VDM GmbH is one of the world’s leading producers of nickel alloys and high-alloy special stainless steels. The product range includes strip, sheet, bar, forgings, tube and wire as well as precision products. The company is based in Werdohl and has further production sites in Altena, Siegen and Unna. In the USA ThyssenKrupp VDM GmbH has plants in Florham Park (New Jersey) and Reno (Nevada) which specialize in the production of high-strength materials for the aerospace industry. A global sales organization with 14 branch offices, combined with service centers in Guangzhou (China) and Melbourne (Australia), ensure an ideal local presence on the world markets, serving the plant engineering, energy, oil, gas, electrical, electronics, automotive and aerospace sectors. In fiscal 2006/2007 the company generated sales of more than 1.4 billion euros and employed around 1,800 people worldwide.
Contact person
ThyssenKrupp Stainless AG
Erik Walner
Press Officer
Phone: +49 (0) 203 52 45 130
Fax: +49 (0) 203 52 45 132
E-mail: erik.walner@thyssenkrupp.com