How digitalization accelerates the transition to green steelmaking

The steel industry faces a pivotal challenge: transforming production from CO₂-intensive processes to green innovation. To achieve this, new production units must integrate with existing ones. In our webinar, experts discuss the key success factor: intelligent digital solutions. These connect all units, leveraging insights for sustainable and profitable steel production. Speakers from Tata Steel IJmuiden, Primetals Technologies, and PSI focus on production planning, quality control, and emissions management. Join us to explore the Twin Transition driving a sustainable steel industry.

Target audience:

Plant Managers and Operations Directors
Environmental Engineers and Sustainability Officers
Production Engineers
Quality Control Managers
Maintenance Managers
R&D Personnel and Innovation Managers
Supply Chain and Logistics Managers
Energy Managers
IT and Digital Transformation Specialists
Finance and Investment Analysts

Key takeaways:

Key strategies on how steelmakers can accelerate the transition to green steelmaking
Key digitalization solutions for the steel industry to gain production insights across production units
Insights into the close link between digitalization and green steelmaking

Speakers

ERIK HERMANS

Program Lead Smart Factory, Tata Steel Ijmuiden

Erik Hermans, whose academic background includes a master's in applied physics and a PhD, leads the Smart Steel Factory program at Tata Steel Ijmuiden, showcasing over 15 years of dedication to Tata Steel in Europe. His roles have spanned chief engineer to business lead for quality and deviation management, emphasizing his contributions to enhancing production quality and operational efficiency. Erik has made significantly contributions to enhancing production quality in operational efficiency , particularly through his work as program manager for the cost of liquid steel and as an improvement consultant in energy efficiency. His innovative efforts also include designing and prototyping medical and optical devices, playing a crucial role in Tata Steel's digital transformation, , sustainability, and smart manufacturing processes.

KURT HERZOG

Head of Industry 4.0, Primetals Technologies

With over 25 years at Primetals Technologies, Kurt Herzog has been instrumental in driving the company to the forefront of automation and digitalization in the steel industry. His background in Industrial Automation has been pivotal to his success. As the head of Industry 4.0, Kurt has been essential in the development of intelligent automation solutions that streamline steel plant operations “through-process”, leveraging cyber-physical systems and digital twins to optimize steel manufacturing processes. . His combined academic and practical experience position him as a leader in his field.

MARTIN SCHLAUTMANN

Product Manager Liquid Production, Decarbonization & Energy Management, PSI

Martin Schlautmann studied physics and mathematics at the universities of Münster, Hamburg and Essen. After earning his PhD in 1994, he began his career in metal production, holding various roles including software engineer, project manager and consultant for level 2 and level 3 automation systems at companies like Mannesmann, ThyssenKrupp, and Hewlett Packard. With over 16 years at BFI (VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut), Martin led projects on model-based monitoring, simulation, optimization, and control of liquid steelmaking processes. In July 2023, he joined PSI Metals as Product Manager, focusing on liquid production, decarbonization and energy management.

HAYANE BECHYNE

Sales Manager Digitalization, Primetals Technologies

Hayane Bechyne, a sales manager, with a master's degree in International Business Management, has over a decade of experience in business development, strategy, and market analysis across various industries and countries, including Brazil and New Zealand. Before joining Primetals Technologies, she engaged in volunteer work and sailing, showing her commitment to both professional growth and personal interests. Hayane’s diverse background enriches her approach to digital transformation in the steel industry, making her a key player in its future advancements.

Moderator

CHRISTOPH STANGL

Marketing Manager Electrics and Automation, Primetals Technologies

Christoph Stangl, a doctoral graduate in Industrial Mathematics, has over 25 years of international experience in marketing, sales, consulting, manufacturing and (information) technology. At Primetals Technologies, he serves as a moderator, event organizer, and creator, focusing on the needs of steel producers and providing solutions to enhance automation, optimization, and digitalization of steel plants. His academic background and industry knowledge have been instrumental in his career success.