The ArcelorMittal group has invested EUR 3 million in a new vacuum pump, to increase the energy efficiency of its steel plant in Galati, Romania.

It has carried out the investment within the “Energize” project, which aims to reduce the company’s energy consumption by 15% until 2018.

The vacuum pump frees the liquid steel and removes hydrogen, with a positive effect on the quality of final products, especially for heavy plates.

The group will invest this year EUR 40 million in the Galati steel plant, said Bruno Ribo, the plant’s general manager.

The steel production could exceed this year 2 million tonnes, up 300,000 tonnes over 2014, according to company’s estimates. The steel plant in Galati employs some 6,500 people.

editor@romania-insider.com