ArcelorMittal Zaragoza Attains Responsible Steel Certification
By Strategic Research Institute on Sep 19, 2023 12:26 pm
Synopsis
ArcelorMittal's Tailored Blanks Zaragoza facility has earned ResponsibleSteel Certification, becoming the fifth site in Spain to achieve this recognition. Located in the heart of Spain's automotive industry, this site processes galvanized steel coils from European sources to create laser-welded blanks for vehicles. These blanks contribute to reduced vehicle weight, lower fuel consumption, and enhanced safety. The certification affirms the responsible and sustainable production of steel, aligning with global efforts to promote environmentally friendly steel value chains.
Article:
In a significant achievement for sustainability in the steel industry, ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Zaragoza has secured ResponsibleSteel Certification. This milestone marks the fifth ArcelorMittal site in Spain to attain this esteemed recognition. Located within the Pradillo II industrial area in Pedrola, just 30 kilometers from Aragón's capital, this facility occupies a central position in Spain's bustling automotive sector.
As part of ArcelorMittal Europe's Flat Products segment, the Zaragoza site receives galvanized steel coils from various European locations. These coils undergo processing to manufacture laser-welded blanks, a crucial component for the automotive industry. This technology not only contributes to reducing vehicle weight but also results in lower fuel consumption and enhanced safety for end-users. In the year 2022, the site shipped a remarkable total of 5.2 million parts, with shipment volumes expected to exceed 6 million parts in the current year.
Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel, expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, "This is an important step as we work to build a responsible steel value chain. ArcelorMittal Zaragoza’s galvanized steel coils come largely from existing ResponsibleSteel certified sites across France, Spain, and Germany. So this certification is a real milestone for ResponsibleSteel, getting us one step closer to achieving certification across the value chain and giving Zaragoza’s automotive customers greater confidence that their steel has been produced in a way that respects both people and the planet every step of the way. As ArcelorMittal continues to work to certify sites globally, I look forward to seeing these links of the value chain continue to come together under the ResponsibleSteel program to assure a full chain of custody from steel furnace to end use."
The certification process involved an independent audit conducted by DNV against Version 1.1 of the ResponsibleSteel International Standard. Notably, the site's unwavering commitment to the health and safety of its employees and the preservation of local biodiversity stood out as particular strengths during the audit.
Tomás Ramos, the site manager, shared his satisfaction with this accomplishment, stating, "As a team, it has been a great satisfaction for us to achieve ResponsibleSteel certification. We were selected as the pilot plant among all the European subsidiaries in the Tailored Blanks division and, after all the efforts deployed, we have been able to deliver on this mandate. This certification would not have been possible without the engagement and professional commitment of all members of the team."
He continued, "It has undoubtedly been a very interesting exercise and has enabled us to bring together, in a structured way, the complex and diverse range of activities that we have been implementing with our stakeholders. For us, the certification process has been an analytical journey across the Standard’s 12 principles and all its criteria and requirements. This exercise has enabled us to review all our actions and include the latest proposals to support the existing commitment to Sustainability, good Governance and the Health and Safety of all the parties involved in this project, which, ultimately, will ensure that the good results are shared by all."
Conclusion
The ResponsibleSteel Certification for ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Zaragoza underscores the commitment of the steel industry to responsible and sustainable production. This achievement aligns with global efforts to promote environmentally friendly steel value chains.
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