French heavy plate manufacturer Dillinger France is launching a modernisation project at its production facility in Dunkirk. The investment aims to expand the plant's ability to process new generations of high-strength steel while improving plate flatness and dimensional accuracy. German engineering company SMS Group has been selected to upgrade the existing equipment and automation systems.
The project focuses on the plant's cold plate leveller, which corrects the shape and flatness of steel plates after rolling.
SMS Group will install an upgraded version of its X-Pact automation system, allowing levelling parameters to be adjusted to different steel grades and mechanical properties.
Completion is scheduled for December 2027. The investment value has not been disclosed.
Automated control improves levelling precision
A central element of the upgrade is a new process model that automatically calculates roller positions, bending forces and torque distribution.
The system is designed to improve the levelling of high-strength and demanding steel grades.
An integrated nine-roller and five-roller operating mode will extend the machine's processing range without requiring mechanical adjustments or roller replacement.
The upgraded controls will also allow greater controlled plastic deformation, permanently adjusting plate geometry to achieve the required flatness.
Testing without interrupting production
To minimise operational risks, the new process model will initially operate alongside the existing automation system.
This approach, known as shadow mode, allows the upgraded software to perform calculations without directly controlling production.
Its results can then be compared with actual operating conditions before full implementation.
Thomas Koch of SMS Automation & Digital Solutions says the modernisation will enable Dillinger France to make better use of its existing equipment and expand its processing capabilities.
Heavy plate for wind energy and engineering
Dillinger France produces more than 600,000 tonnes of heavy plate annually at its Dunkirk facility.
Its products are used in offshore wind energy, mechanical engineering, major pipeline construction, pressure vessels and industrial boilers.
Demand for advanced high-strength steels is placing increasing requirements on processing equipment and production control.
The upgrade is intended to broaden Dillinger's product range while improving its ability to manufacture steel plate with demanding strength, flatness and dimensional specifications.
Rather than replacing the entire levelling installation, the project will extend the capabilities of the existing machinery through modern automation and process technology.
Sources: SMS Group and GMK Centre, October 2026.
