Tradition meets high-tech

Why the third copper plant is being modernised

Demand for COFIN® (copper-coated strip steel) is growing significantly. Customers in the automotive sector need it for heavy-duty components, the electrical industry for better conductivity, and the decorative industry for visually sophisticated surfaces. This development was the clear catalyst for the comprehensive refurbishment. The plant is not simply being renewed – it is being completely geared towards future requirements. The refurbishment is currently in full swing. The first signs of success are already visible: the plants are arranged in parallel. That may sound technical, but it has major practical implications. In-house logistics benefit from shorter distances, which reduce transport times and significantly increase flexibility. This enables PGW to process future orders faster and more efficiently, without compromising on quality.

Efficiency during ongoing operations – a logistical masterpiece

Particularly impressive is how the conversion was organised: the modernisation is taking place entirely whilst production continues. Not a single neighbouring unit needs to be shut down. This was only possible through forward-looking planning, targeted pre-production and consistent lean management methods. Downtime has thus been reduced to a minimum, whilst productivity remains high. The parallel arrangement of the systems ensures that process stability remains at a very high level. Internal logistics benefit enormously – processes are continuously streamlined. For PGW, this means lower costs and higher capacity utilisation. For customers, it means consistently high delivery reliability and short lead times, even during the modernisation.

What the refurbishment means for PGW and its customers

For PGW itself, the refurbishment is an important milestone on the path to securing its long-term future. Digitalisation, increased efficiency and flexibility are at the heart of ’s strategic direction. The company is thus creating the conditions to continue operating successfully in the market and to expand its position in key industries. At the same time, production remains stable and customer-focused – proof that complex modernisation projects at PGW can be implemented flexibly and without major disruptions.

Customers benefit directly: they continue to receive tailor-made solutions of the highest quality, can rely on stable supply chains and receive products that are precisely tailored to their growing technical requirements. This reliability is crucial, particularly in the automotive sector, where every component must meet the highest standards.

The conversion of the third copper plant is therefore more than just a technical measure. It is a concrete example of how PGW, as part of GESCO SE, responds to real market developments with foresight and precision – to the benefit of both the company and its customers. Here, it is not just steel strip that is refined, but long-term value that is created.