Severstal, one of Russia’s leading steel producers, has begun a major reconstruction of furnace No. 1 at its CherMK plant, aiming to enhance production capacity for thick-sheet and high-strength rolled products.

The RUB 1.4 billion ($17.8 million) modernization project is designed to increase annual output of heat-treated, high-strength, and wear-resistant steel to 18,000 metric tons. The upgraded furnace will serve key industries such as automotive manufacturing and road construction equipment production, where thick-plate high-strength steel is in growing demand.

Key upgrades include:

• Extension of the furnace length by 4 meters, bringing it to a total of 58 meters, which will boost average productivity by 7%.
• Installation of new burners, expanding the metal heating temperature range to 150–1000°C, allowing for more flexible and precise heat treatment processes.
• Implementation of modern heat engineering systems to reduce gas consumption and cut carbon emissions, aligning with Severstal’s environmental efficiency goals.

This strategic investment reflects Severstal’s ongoing commitment to advanced steel production and sustainability, as it positions itself to better serve high-demand sectors with innovative steel solutions.