Tenova has signed a contract with Vinton Steel LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of Kyoei Steel, to construct a new, state-of-the-art steel plant in El Paso, Texas.
At the heart of this project is Tenova's "Green City Mill Flex", an innovative technology platform designed to increase the Texan steelmaker's production capacity to 400,000 tons per year while significantly reducing emissions, energy consumption, and operational costs. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with commissioning planned for the first quarter of 2027.
A Milestone for North American Expansion
Masahiro Kitada, Chairman of Vinton Steel LLC, emphasizes the significance of this project: "This project marks a significant milestone for Kyoei Steel Group’s expansion in North America. By investing in state-of-the-art green steelmaking technologies, we are not only strengthening our presence in the U.S. market but also contributing to the economic development of the local community and the entire West Texas region. We are proud to bring advanced and sustainable steel production to El Paso at the Border area, creating new opportunities for growth. We are happy to embrace our largest investment outside Japan with a longlasting partner like Tenova."
Setting New Standards for Efficiency and Flexibility
Francesco Memoli, President and CEO of Tenova Inc., highlights the project's impact:
"This project sets a new benchmark for regional steelmaking plants. The Green City Mill Flex platform represents the latest evolution of the mini-mill concept, adding unprecedented levels of flexibility, efficiency, and safety. It is a gamechanger for long-steel producers looking to modernize and meet the demands of sustainable manufacturing."
The new plant will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including:
- a 45-ton Consteel® Electric Arc Furnace with continuous scrap preheating,
- an in-line Ladle Metallurgy Furnace for precise steel refining,
- a multi-strand Continuous Casting Machine,
- a fully automated Material Handling System.
Additionally, the facility will feature an advanced Fume Treatment Plant with quenching tower and pulse-jet baghouse, a zero-water-consumption Water Treatment Plant, and a new Electrical Distribution System.
Circular Economy as a Key to Sustainability
By utilizing the local scrap recycling supply chain, the "Green City Mill Flex" adheres to the principles of circular economy and self-sufficiency. This approach significantly reduces the environmental impact of steel production, particularly in urban areas—a forward-thinking concept for sustainable metal processing.
