Aurubis Modernizes Stolberg Facility to Expand Copper Strip Production
Aurubis, one of the world's leading multi-metal producers and a major copper recycler, has announced a EUR 16 million investment in its Stolberg copper rolling mill in the Rhineland, Germany. The investment includes two new core units—a hood annealing line and a stretch-bending line—to enhance the competitiveness, energy efficiency, and safety of the site.
The newly installed stretch-bending line, valued at approximately EUR 7 million, will expand the production capabilities of 600 mm wide copper strips. Stretch-bend leveling is a process that enhances strip flatness and material quality before cutting. The new line will increase production capacity for these copper strips, delivering greater efficiency and flexibility while maintaining high product quality. Additionally, the new system sets new benchmarks for occupational health and safety.
Aurubis has also introduced a new hood annealing plant, worth around EUR 9 million, replacing a previous unit. The upgraded annealing facility is now powered by electricity instead of natural gas, reducing energy consumption by 20% and lowering direct CO2 emissions (Scope 1) by 25%. Annealing is a key process in strip production that significantly impacts the material properties of copper. This new plant also acts as a backup for an existing line, improving process reliability.
Aurubis' investment aligns with its sustainability promise, 'Tomorrow Metals by Aurubis,' which aims to combine advanced metal production with high environmental standards. The Stolberg site has become an important part of Aurubis' efforts to implement decarbonization projects and boost energy efficiency across its operations. This investment also reflects Aurubis' continued focus on maintaining a high-quality and sustainable production process.
The Stolberg facility employs around 400 people and produces high-precision copper and copper alloy strips and wires. It operates an extensive international distribution network to serve a wide range of industries. Aurubis, with approximately 6,900 employees worldwide, is a leading supplier of non-ferrous metals and a major copper recycler, producing over 1 million tonnes of copper cathodes annually.
