Iron & Steel

Challenges

Changing market conditions, overcapacity in steelmaking, an uncertain global economy, and shareholder demands are driving iron and steel producers to achieve more with the assets they have now.

Capital investment dollars are increasingly limited, making it more important than ever to select the best projects, mitigate their risks, and execute them on time, on schedule.

Environmental requirements are becoming more stringent in all areas of the world, demanding advanced control technology for greenfield plants and retrofits. Steelmakers everywhere are looking beyond local guidelines and regulations, aiming higher to achieve best-in-class environmental performance on a global scale.

Operational performance grows in importance as the global economy ramps up. Successful steelmakers are set on greater production, driving down operating costs and producing the highest-quality steels. Securing a reliable supply of low-cost, high-quality raw materials and energy is an ongoing challenge. The best and strongest will need to address it with perseverance and innovation if their businesses are to survive and succeed.

Capabilities

Project development and design

Effective deployment of limited capital on the right projects is important for owners. Hatch's team of iron and steel process experts know the steel industry from raw materials and steelmaking through to rolling and finishing, providing expert advice in the early stages to ensure the right projects get built. Our engineering and project execution specialists help clients with projects ranging from small brownfield improvements to major greenfield steel plants.

Energy and environmental services

The global iron and steel manufacturing sector is facing ever-tightening air emission regulations and is constantly improving energy performance. Hatch energy and environmental specialists help clients navigate the challenging regulatory environment, implement environmental projects, and achieve best-in-class energy performance.

Advanced engineering skills

Iron and steelmaking facilities encounter complex problems that require the right expert solution. Hatch specialized engineering and analysis group works on the most difficult logistics, thermodynamic, computational fluid dynamics, and mechanical engineering problems. We have extensive experience in advanced engineering specifically for the iron and steel industry.

Technology development and applications

Hatch's portfolio of technologies includes the Coilbox™, specialized blast furnace staves and coolers, Macro-etcher, dry slag granulation, steel strip coating control system, and advanced rolling automation engineering. Our team of technology developers collaborates with clients to develop the next generation of good ideas.

Process engineering and consulting

Iron and steel plants are complex to operate and maintain. Hatch’s team of process engineers covers all areas of the flow sheet from raw materials, ironmaking, DRI, steelmaking, casting, rolling, and finishing. Our teams can supplement an owner's team for special projects, and provide new ideas and knowledge of industry best practices.

Blogs

COVID-19 impact on steel commodity markets

Siddhartha Sengupta

In the previous years, there were those that said the worst crisis in the steel industry happened during the financial crisis of 2009. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging that long-held view.

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