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Honeywell wins Finnish steel contract

03/24/2008

Kuopio, Finland – Honeywell has announced a $2-million contract to implement its Experion Process Knowledge System with a process, machine and drives (PMD) controller at a Tornio, Finland, production plant operated by Outokumpu, a €6-billion international stainless steel company. The project, which is designed to boost manufacturing efficiency at the plant, strengthens Honeywell’s presence in serving the steel sector.

“We selected Honeywell for this important project because it understands our business needs and has solutions that can enhance our company’s performance,” said  Mauri Kauppi, general manager of the steel-melting shop and hot-rolling mill,  Outokumpu Stainless Oy. “We trust Honeywell to be our partner and value their comprehensive local service and support.”

Targeted for completion in 2009, the project is aimed at boosting the efficiency of Outokumpu’s ferro chrome converter process –- a key sub-process in the production of stainless steel. Experion will help automate a number of related processes including converter charging, cooling, management of exhaust gasses and blowing. Honeywell is using distributed Profibus fieldbuses in the installation of Experion, which should reduce cabling costs and enable support for the latest field devices. The contract includes basic and field planning from Honeywell, as well as configuration services.

“Our technology should deliver higher usability and better functionality to Outokumpu’s automation process – which ultimately should lead to a higher quality product,” said Timo Saarelainen, managing director, Honeywell Finland.  “This is a significant contract for us in that it both extends our long-standing relationship with Outokumpu and also builds our credentials with customers in steel manufacturing.”