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Danieli Group (Italian pronunciation: [danˈjɛːli]) is an Italian supplier of equipment and physical plants to the metal industry. The company is based in Buttrio, in the north-east of Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia region). It is one of the world leaders in the production of steel plants, in particular in the long products segment, where it owned 30% market share in 1999 .[2]

Key Information

It has more than 25 divisions worldwide (design, manufacturing and service centers), 7 of which are production centers (Italy, Russia, Austria, Brazil, Netherlands, Sweden, the United States, Vietnam, Germany, India, China, and Thailand). Because of the company's continued business with Russia amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Danieli is listed among International Sponsors of War by the Ukrainian National Agency on Corruption Prevention.[3] In response, the company has declared its withdrawal from the Russian market due to the evolving geopolitical landscape, rendering commercial engagements and establishment in Russia unfeasible. The company has also reaffirmed its consistent adherence to sanctions.[4][5]

History

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Danieli’s origins date to 1914 when two brothers Mario and Timo Danieli acquired the Angelini Steelworks in Brescia, Italy, one of the first companies to use the electric arc furnace for steel making.[2] In 1929, Mario Danieli transferred part of the steelworks to Buttrio to manufacture tools for forging plants and auxiliary machines for rolling mills. After World War II, led by Luigi Danieli, the company changed its name to Danieli & C and started designing and manufacturing equipment for the steel industry, a turning point that contributed to strengthening the Italian steel industry’s competitiveness in Europe in the Sixties and Seventies.

In the second half of the Seventies, a crisis affected the entire steel industry due to an excess production capacity. Luigi Danieli (1915-1993), who held a degree in Engineering from the University of Padua (Italy), adopted a different strategy and led the company to gradually pass from the production of machines for the steel-making industry to the production of turnkey plants. In 1976 the company won the design and production of a 500,000-ton steel plant in Brandenburg, in the former East Germany, beating the competition of the Krupp company with a 3% lower bid. The total value of the order was approximately 200 billion Italian lire.[2] Since 1977 Luigi Danieli has been working together with Cecilia and Anna Chiara, two of his four daughters. In 1979, Danieli’s turnover was over 130 billion Italian lire (80% of which was made abroad) and the company employed 1,600 people.[6]

Specialized in the production of mini-mills according to the needs of final consumers, in 1983 its production reached one million tons per year. In the same period, it won contracts in the USSR and North Africa.

In 1984, the company was listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 1985 Danieli completed the first direct rolling plant for quality steel in the USA.[6] In the mid-eighties, the steel industry again encountered difficulties. A different strategy emerged within the Danieli family in order to remain competitive: Cecilia, who held a degree in Economics and Business from the University of Trieste (Italy), and Gianpietro Benedetti were in favor of a major restructuring, in line with a strategy of internationalization and expansion of products. The rest of the family had a different point of view. Eventually, 58% of the ordinary shares were sold to SIND (Società Impianti Industriali), held 50% by Cecilia Danieli and 50% by Gianpietro Benedetti.

Following the new corporate structure, the expansion around the world continued. In 1987 Danieli acquired Morgårdshammar, a Swedish group specializing in rolling plants for special steels, and later Wean United (USA), Rotelec (France) and Sund (Sweden).

The results seemed to justify that generational change wanted by Cecilia: Danieli’s turnover was indeed constantly growing – reaching 1.9 billion Italian Lire in 2000 – with 3,200 people employed.

In June 1999 Cecilia Danieli died in Aviano at the age of 56.[7]

Gianpietro Benedetti was appointed President and CEO of the company.[8] At the end of the 1990s the internationalization process was completed: in addition to that of Buttrio, Danieli opened production plants in Pittsburgh, Paris, Sweden and Germany, two offices in China (Beijing and Shanghai), other production plants in Thailand (Danieli Far East) and Russia (Danieli Volga), as well as service centers in Austria and Brazil.[9] This also led to an expansion of the company’s product range.

In 2009, ten years after the death of Cecilia Danieli, the 29-year-old Giacomo Mareschi Danieli joined the company’s Board of Directors.[10] Graduated in Electronic Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan, since 2006 he has been working in the Danieli Group. Anna, who is Giacomo’s twin and a graduate in Economics and Business from Bocconi University, also joined the company,[11] as well as Camilla Benedetti,[12] a graduate in Economics and Business from Catholic University of Milan and with previous professional experience at Ernst & Young. In 2009, the turnover reached 3.2 billion euros and the profit was 135 million euros, with approximately 9,400 people employed.[13]

In 2018 the company founded the Danieli Academy, with the aim of managing the skills development of human resources through partnerships with hundreds of universities around the world.[14]

Companies of the Danieli Group

[edit]
  • ABS Sisak[15]
  • Danieli Automation & Digi&Met (industrial automation and process control systems)
  • Danieli Plant Engineering (turnkey plants and systems engineering)
  • Danieli Morgårdshammar (long product rolling mills)
  • Danieli Corus IJMUIDEN (integrated steelmaking plants)
  • Danieli Centro Met (electric steelmaking plant, continuous casting)
  • Danieli Davy Distington (thick and thin slab casting)
  • Danieli Wean United (flat product rolling mills)
  • Danieli Fröhling (flat product conditioning and finishing plants)
  • Danieli Centro Tube (seamless pipe plants)
  • Danieli Centro Maskin (long product conditioning and finishing plants, slab inspection and grinding)
  • Danieli Rotelec (electromagnetic stirrers and induction heating systems)
  • Danieli Breda (extrusion and forging plants)
  • Danieli Centro Combustion (heating systems and heat treatment furnaces)
  • Danieli Environment Systems (green technologies and systems)
  • Danieli Construction (turnkey plants)
  • Danieli Service (assembly, start-up and testing of Danieli plants)
  • Danieli Centro Cranes (heavy-duty cranes)
  • Danieli Telerobot (advanced robotics)
  • Danieli Linz (oxygen converter steelmaking plants)
  • Danieli Centro Recycling (scrap processing plants)
  • Danieli Olivotto Ferrè (heat treatment furnaces)
  • Danieli Kohler (air wiping equipment for zinc coating)
  • Danieli Fata Hunter (aluminium rolling and coil coating lines)
  • Innoval Technology Ltd (advisor services and technical support for the aluminum industry)
  • Danieli Hydraulics (industrial hydraulics and lubrication)
  • Fata Epc (turnkey plant engineering, procurement and construction)

Economic data

[edit]

The financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2017 showed revenues at €2.49 billion, with an income of €59 million.[16] As of 30 June 2018, the Group’s turnover was €2.70 billion (+2%), EBITDA amounted to €228 million (13%), EBIT to €103 million (48%), and revenues to €58.4 million.[17] The financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2019 showed revenues at €3 billion, net income at €67 million, EBITDA at €239.2 million, EBIT at €101.51 million.[1] As of 30 June 2020, the Group’s turnover was €2.8 billion, net income amounted to €62.4 million,[17] EBITDA to €187.7 million, EBIT to €91.6 million.[1]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Danieli & C. S.p.A. is an Italian headquartered in Buttrio, specializing in the design, manufacture, and installation of equipment and complete for production worldwide. Founded in 1914 in as a venture involving Timo Danieli and partners, the company shifted post-World War II under Luigi Danieli to focus on machinery for the steel sector, marking its transition from steel production to supplying innovative processing technologies. Danieli has achieved prominence as one of the top three global manufacturers of , with significant advancements in energy-efficient minimills, thin-slab , and sustainable processes such as direct-reduced iron and optimizations that reduce carbon emissions. The firm invests heavily in , averaging over €140 million annually in recent years, driving technologies like Digimelter for greener melting and Q-One for enhancements in . Major contracts, including multi-billion-dollar projects with producers like Corporation, underscore its market leadership in delivering solutions for long and flat products.

History

Founding and Early Development

The origins of the Danieli Group trace back to 1914 in , , where Timo Danieli and the family held shares in a pioneering plant equipped with 's first , known as the Lectromelt. This facility represented an early adoption of electric technology in the country, though it ceased operations after . Following the war, Timo Danieli and his brother relocated to , where they established Danieli Vaj, focusing on tool machinery production. In 1929, the Danieli operations shifted to Buttrio in the region, utilizing family-owned land to manufacture basic equipment initially for hand tools and , gradually transitioning toward machinery. The company was formally established as Danieli & C. by Mario Danieli in at Buttrio, drawing on prior experience from the 1914 venture to produce small shears and anvils. During the 1930s, under Mario's leadership, the firm registered its first trademark linked to Acciaierie Angelini Brescia and began assembling components, such as three-high rolling mill stands, in collaboration with Swedish firm Morgårdshammar. Early development accelerated in the 1950s with the involvement of Luigi Danieli, who, after gaining expertise at firms like OM in Brescia and Techint in Argentina, recognized technological deficiencies in Italian rolling mills compared to European standards. Inspired by Morgårdshammar's innovations, Luigi advocated for in-house development of cost-effective machinery, including cooling beds, laying the groundwork for Danieli's expansion into complete rolling mills for rebar production with capacities of 140,000–150,000 tons per year. By 1960, these efforts enabled initial exports of minimill equipment to markets in Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, marking the company's shift from basic forging tools to specialized steel processing systems.

Post-War Expansion and Industrialization

Following , amid Italy's economic reconstruction, Mario Danieli established Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche in 1948 at Buttrio in , , drawing on prior experience from a venture founded in 1914 that had been disrupted by wartime turmoil and plant closures. The company initially manufactured basic equipment such as small shears and anvils, transitioning from steel production to machinery for the steel sector as domestic demand surged for infrastructure and housing amid the post-war boom. This shift capitalized on Italy's rapid industrialization, where steel consumption for rebars and construction materials grew sharply, prompting local steelmakers in regions like to seek efficient processing tools. Under Luigi Danieli, Mario's son, the firm advanced into specialized equipment during the 1950s, with Luigi studying rolling mill technologies at Acciaierie Bertoli Safau in and identifying opportunities to challenge German dominance through simpler, cost-effective designs. In 1958, following his father's illness, Luigi fully committed to Danieli, proposing innovations like an in-house cooling bed machine inspired by visits to leading firms such as Sweden's Morgårdshammar. By the early , the company supplied rolling stands and other components featured in catalogues of major international plant producers, including German, Japanese, and American firms, while exporting complete rolling mills with capacities of 140,000–150,000 tons per year to minimills in , , , and the . A pivotal milestone came in 1964, when Danieli constructed Italy's first curved-type machine for Emilio Riva's steelworks in Caronno Pertusella, operationalized with expertise from Renzo Colombo, enhancing efficiency in production for long products. This period marked Danieli's industrialization from a producing hand tools and farming equipment into a key supplier of advanced rolling mill technologies, aligning with Friuli's post-war recovery and the broader European steel sector's mechanization. The firm's growth reflected causal drivers like raw material access via furnaces and the minimill model's rise, which favored compact, innovative machinery over large integrated plants.

Globalization and Technological Shift

In the late 1970s, Danieli achieved substantial export-driven growth, with over 80% of its turnover derived from international markets by 1979, reflecting an early shift toward global operations amid rising demand for steelmaking equipment worldwide. This export orientation laid the foundation for broader globalization, as the company supplied turnkey plants to steel producers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, capitalizing on its expertise in electric arc furnace (EAF) technologies and rolling mills. By the 1980s and 1990s, Danieli solidified its position as a leader in mini-mill solutions for long products, delivering compact, efficient systems that reduced capital costs and energy use compared to traditional integrated steelworks, enabling steelmakers in emerging markets to modernize rapidly. A pivotal technological shift occurred with the emphasis on integrated and process optimization, exemplified by the development of advanced control systems that enhanced yield and in EAF-mini-mill configurations; these innovations, rooted in rolling and technologies, allowed Danieli to capture a dominant share of the global market for long-product minimills. Concurrently, the company pursued strategic acquisitions, such as German firms Fröhling and W+K for specialized rolling , which bolstered its technological portfolio and facilitated entry into new segments like flat products via thin-slab . This period marked a transition from supply to full-system engineering, with R&D investments driving modular designs adaptable to diverse global standards and raw materials. From 2000 onward, Danieli accelerated globalization by establishing wholly owned subsidiaries and production facilities abroad, including engineering and centers in , , , and , to localize design, production, and closer to key markets. These investments enabled not only cost efficiencies but also rapid response to regional needs, such as high-speed rolling lines for Asian producers and customized EAF systems for North American recyclers. Technologically, this era saw a pivot toward digital integration and , with the introduction of platforms for real-time process control and early green steel prototypes, setting the stage for reduced emissions in electric while maintaining competitiveness in volatile global commodity cycles. By the mid-2010s, ramped-up operations in and Russia further exemplified this dual focus, combining localized with advancements in energy-efficient melting technologies.

Recent Milestones and Strategic Investments

In fiscal year 2025, ending June 30, 2025, Danieli Group achieved revenues aligned with the prior year despite margin pressures from market conditions, maintaining a strong order backlog exceeding €5.3 billion as of mid-year and projecting €6-6.2 billion for the subsequent period. The company forecasted €4.2-4.3 billion in revenue and €430-450 million in EBITDA for fiscal 2025/2026, reflecting sustained demand for its technologies amid global industrial recovery. Danieli committed €572 million to sustainability initiatives over five years, announced on October 27, 2024, targeting reduced emissions and energy-efficient processes in production. Strategic acquisitions bolstered its portfolio, including a 30% stake in Novastilmec acquired in August 2025 to expand downstream finishing lines for and aluminum . Earlier, in October 2024, Danieli fully acquired FATA, enhancing project execution capabilities and extending its offerings in aluminum and plants. Key contracts underscored technological milestones, such as the August 2025 agreement to engineer a hot-rolled coil mini-mill for in , incorporating advanced flat-product processing. In September 2025, Jindal Steel & Power selected Danieli for a second hydrogen-ready plant in , building on prior hydrogen-compatible designs. A March 2025 memorandum of understanding with Newcleo aimed to integrate lead-cooled fast reactors for carbon-free electricity and heat in , advancing decarbonization efforts. Additional developments included contracts for Danieli Exstream II accelerated cooling systems in July 2025 to optimize metallurgy and the sale of a new to in May 2025.

Corporate Structure

Business Units and Divisions

The Danieli Group structures its operations into two principal business segments: Plant Making and Steel Making. The Plant Making segment focuses on the design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation of steel plants and individual machinery for processes spanning ironmaking, , , rolling mills, and finishing lines, including blast furnaces, direct reduction plants, and pipe mills. This segment, which forms the core of the company's technology , generated approximately 70% of group sales in fiscal year 2024 and employed about 8,550 personnel as of June 30, 2025. Supporting Plant Making are over 25 specialized divisions, each dedicated to distinct technical competencies in production , drawing on expertise from acquired firms in multiple countries to cover the full spectrum from processing to finished products. Key divisions include Danieli Automation, which develops process control systems, advanced instrumentation, and production management software for steel facilities; Danieli Construction, responsible for project execution, erection, and ; and others focused on specific technologies like seamless pipe mills and processing. These divisions enable integrated solutions for global steelmakers, emphasizing efficiency and customization. The Steel Making segment centers on the production and of special long products, such as billets, blooms, and wire rod, primarily via subsidiaries including Acciaierie Bertoli Safau (ABS) in . This segment contributed 30% of sales in fiscal 2024 and supports downstream testing of Plant Making technologies while generating revenue from sales, with 1,459 employees as of June 30, 2025.

Subsidiaries and Global Operations

The Danieli Group operates through a network of specialized subsidiaries and maintains an extensive global footprint with 47 locations across , comprising production units, centers, and service centers to support equipment , engineering, and after-sales services for the metals industry. Key functional subsidiaries include Danieli Automation S.p.A., which develops industrial automation and process control systems, and Danieli Corus BV, a Dutch entity providing tailored solutions such as blast furnaces and direct reduction plants. Regional subsidiaries facilitate localized operations, such as Danieli Inc. and Danieli Taranis LLC for North American and technologies, Danieli do Brasil Ltda for South American production, and Danieli India Limited, a fully owned entity with headquarters in and branches in and for Asian market support. Europe hosts the group's headquarters in Buttrio, Italy, along with 21 facilities, including production and design centers in Germany (Danieli Germany GmbH), the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the UK, enabling proximity to major European steel producers. In the Americas, six locations focus on production and design, with multiple workshops in the USA (e.g., Ashland, Portage, Mesa) under Danieli Corporation, alongside operations in Brazil and Mexico to serve regional demand for steel plant installations. Asia features the broadest presence with 19 sites, emphasizing production in high-growth markets: China operates Danieli Metallurgical Equipment & Service Co Ltd for manufacturing and Danieli Hoogovens Steelmaking Technology Co. Ltd. for design in Shanghai, while India includes Danieli India Ltd and affiliates like Danieli Centro Combustion India Pvt Ltd for localized engineering and combustion systems. Additional design and service centers span Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, and Vietnam. The Middle East supports two service-oriented locations in Egypt and Saudi Arabia for maintenance and upgrades in oil-rich steel sectors. This structure allows Danieli to deliver turnkey projects and rapid response worldwide, with over 80% of revenues derived from international markets as of recent financial reports.

Technologies and Products

Ironmaking and Steelmaking Equipment

Danieli's ironmaking equipment emphasizes (DRI) production via the ENERGIRON process, a technology co-developed with Tenova that utilizes , , or blends thereof to reduce pellets or lumps into high-metallization DRI modules. This system supports flexible operation, including CO2 capture for emission reduction and revenue generation, as demonstrated in ArcelorMittal's adoption for low-carbon production. ENERGIRON has been selected for 11 projects worldwide over the past four years, including hydrogen-ready plants for Jindal Steel & Power, enabling hot DRI transport to furnaces via systems like Hytemp at temperatures exceeding 600°C. Danieli also supplies handling systems through Danieli Centro Met, encompassing reception, storage, and conveyor integration for efficient feedstock preparation in DRI or operations. In steelmaking, Danieli specializes in electric arc furnaces (EAFs) optimized for , DRI, or mixed charges, offering high-impedance AC models alongside single- and twin-cathode DC variants with heat capacities tailored to modern mini-mills. These furnaces incorporate advanced process controls to minimize energy use and enhance quality, as evidenced by Algoma Steel's 2025 commissioning of a Danieli EAF, which achieved first heat and is projected to cut carbon emissions by 70% using clean grid power. Complementary includes ladle furnaces (LFs) for post-melting homogenization, adjustment, and alloying, which refine composition by removing inclusions and controlling chemistry prior to . processing lines from Danieli Centro Recycling preprocess and non-ferrous inputs through shredding, sorting, and densification to optimize EAF charging efficiency. Danieli integrates these components into compact configurations like Nanomills, which combine DRI-EAF setups for low-capital, regional production with capacities suited to extra-low investment thresholds. For instance, Tata Steel's 2025 selection of Danieli DRP-EAF technology replaces operations, achieving 40% CO2 reductions through DRI integration. tools, such as the Danieli Corus 3D plant model, aid in debottlenecking and evaluating upgrades for existing facilities. These offerings prioritize energy efficiency and adaptability to low-grade feedstocks, as validated in operational data showing effective EAF utilization of DRI from lower-quality pellets.

Rolling Mills and Finishing Technologies

Danieli's rolling mills encompass advanced systems for both long and flat products, integrating high-precision rolling technologies to optimize yield, quality, and throughput. For long products, the company supplies bar and section mills capable of producing over 180 tons per hour of 10-mm-diameter via the High-speed Twin Channel system, which enhances productivity through dual-channel rolling paths. Special Bar Quality (SBQ) mills feature the patented "The Drawer" four-roll block technology, enabling the rolling of more than 100 product types and in a single line while minimizing defects through controlled deformation. These systems, often under the Danieli Morgårdshammar brand, incorporate SBQ3, BEST, and H3 technologies tailored for special steels, commercial bars, and high-speed wire rod production exceeding traditional limits. In flat product rolling, Danieli provides hot strip mills that process a broad spectrum of , including structural carbon, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA), stainless, , and high-strength varieties, with configurations supporting thin-slab casting integration for compact, energy-efficient layouts. Cold rolling mills, such as four-high and six-high designs from Danieli Wean United, deliver superior strip surface and profile quality at reduced capital costs, incorporating automatic gauge control (AGC) for precision thickness management during high-speed operations. The Danieli Fröhling division specializes in six-high cold-finishing mills for non-ferrous and strips, achieving high-precision rolling with geometric optimization, as demonstrated in installations operational since May 2025. Finishing technologies complement rolling operations with downstream processing lines for enhanced surface quality and dimensional accuracy. Bar finishing lines from Danieli Centro Maskin process diameters from 16 to 102 mm at speeds up to 120 m/min, including straightening, inspection, and conditioning for high-quality special steel bars, as implemented at facilities like Piratini. For strips and coils, finishing encompasses galvanizing, , electrolytic , tension leveling, and acid-free scale removal, often integrated into full flat product lines. Seamless pipe finishing lines support diverse sizes and grades via flexible and quality testing (FQT) es. Recent collaborations, such as the August 2025 partnership with Novastilmec acquiring a 30% stake, expand capabilities in high-performance lines for steel, aluminum, and other alloys. Innovations in these areas include the TMB (Thermomechanical Rolling with Multistand Blocks) wire rod technology, which enables ultra-high finishing speeds, improved yield, and tighter tolerances for demanding applications. Danieli also pioneered a world-first 100% gas-free rolling mill using endless casting-rolling with a sixth-generation horizontal for continuous material flow, reducing emissions while maintaining output. These developments, applied across over 500 plants globally, prioritize control and material physics to achieve verifiable performance metrics like reduced energy consumption and defect rates.

Automation and Digital Systems

Danieli Automation, a division of the Danieli Group established in , develops process control systems, integrated production management solutions, and in-line technologies tailored for the and metals industry. With over 50 years of specialized experience, these systems encompass equipment control, advanced instrumentation, and state-of-the-art electrical solutions designed to optimize and continuous performance improvement in metals processing. A cornerstone of Danieli's digital offerings is the Q-ONE digital power feeder, a modular high-performance unit for electric arc furnaces (EAFs) that provides real-time, high-speed control of voltage and current to enhance melting dynamics. This technology enables variable frequency operation down to 20 Hz at full power, resulting in up to 15% overall process energy savings, 15% reduction in electrode consumption, and 10% shorter power-on times, with return on investment typically achieved in 9 to 24 months. Q-ONE has been implemented in facilities such as ABS Sisak in Croatia, where it powers the DigiMelter system for efficient scrap-based steel production, and at Shinkansai Steel's Osaka plant in Japan, demonstrating its role in advancing digital steelmaking. Complementing Q-ONE, the integrates real-time process variables for dynamic EAF operation, forming part of Danieli's broader digital concept to boost productivity and reduce emissions. Danieli also emphasizes cybersecurity in its Industry 4.0-driven solutions, as seen in the ABS QWR4.0 wirerod mill, where protected systems ensure secure digital integration for intelligent plants. These digital platforms support transitions to green , including compatibility with sources via DC link connections, and have been deployed in projects like Chengde Jianlong's intelligent plant initiative in , marking early phases of strategies.

Innovations and R&D

Key Technological Advancements

Danieli's Energiron technology represents a significant advancement in (DRI) production, jointly developed with Tenova to enable flexible use of , , or as reductants, thereby supporting low-carbon with high metallization rates exceeding 95%. This modular system integrates reforming, reduction, and reforming within a single shaft furnace, achieving productivity up to 2.5 tons per hour per module while minimizing emissions through optimized . Selected for 11 projects worldwide between 2021 and 2025, Energiron has demonstrated operational reliability in plants producing over 3 million tons annually of high-quality DRI for EAF charging. In (EAF) operations, the Q-Melt Dynamic Heat Suite automates melting process control from charging to , using real-time sensors and predictive algorithms to optimize power input, oxygen injection, and foaming, resulting in energy savings of up to 10-15% and reduced consumption compared to conventional EAFs. Introduced in 2018, this system has been implemented in multiple facilities, enhancing scrap utilization efficiency to over 95% and minimizing tap-to-tap times to under 40 minutes. Complementary to Q-Melt, the Q-Water adaptive water management system, deployed since 2020, dynamically adjusts cooling water flows based on product type and process conditions, reducing water consumption by 20-30% while preventing overheating in rolling and casting equipment. Advancements in rolling mill technology include the K-spool system, launched in 2025, which enables twist-free, high-speed winding of round, square, and flat bars into compact coils without intermediate cooling, improving downstream handling and yield by eliminating bar tangling issues common in traditional spooling. Danieli has also pioneered hydrogen-compatible rolling mills, as evidenced by a 2024 contract with Green Steel for a 100% gas-free, hydrogen-powered long products mill designed for zero-emission operation, incorporating advanced reheating and rolling controls to maintain product quality at elevated temperatures. In , Danieli Automation's integration of analytics and , such as in the 2025 ESF benchmark mill upgrade, provides real-time caster-mill synchronization, , and , reducing by up to 15% through AI-driven . The Steel Plant Model, a tool developed by Danieli Corus, optimizes logistics and operational scenarios in integrated steel plants by modeling flows, use, and interactions, allowing for virtual testing of configurations that have led to throughput increases of 5-10% in retrofitted facilities without physical expansions. These technologies collectively underscore Danieli's focus on process integration, drawing from over 500 rolling mill installations and proprietary know-how in mini-mill configurations to deliver verifiable improvements in and .

Sustainable Process Developments

Danieli has developed several processes aimed at reducing carbon emissions in production, emphasizing direct reduction of and (EAF) melting as alternatives to traditional routes. The ENERGIRON technology, jointly developed with Tenova, enables the production of (DRI) using flexible reducing gases, including up to 100% hydrogen, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions compared to coal-based methods; for instance, it facilitated an 80% emissions reduction in a Middle Eastern DRI plant through CO2 capture integration. This process reduces pellets into highly metallized with controlled carbon content (1.5-4%), supporting downstream EAF operations for low-carbon . The Digimelter system represents Danieli's advancement in EAF , designed for electric steelworks that emit approximately 22-25 times less CO2 than integrated coke-based plants, positioning it as a core element for green steel production in minimills. Complementing this, the Q-MELT technological package optimizes melting processes in EAFs, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing dependency through precise control of and DRI inputs. These developments align with broader decarbonization efforts, including pilot projects like electric process gas heaters for DRI plants, which Danieli engineered in collaboration with EMSTEEL to minimize use. Danieli's sustainable processes extend to innovative integrations, such as hydrogen-fueled rolling mills—exemplified by a 2024 contract with for the world's first 100% gas-free long products mill—and explorations of nuclear energy via lead-cooled fast reactors with newcleo to power production without fossil fuels. In 2024, the company committed €572 million over five years to such projects, including carbon capture and treatment systems, while signing the for net-zero emissions by 2050. These initiatives have been applied in partnerships, such as Tata Steel's adoption of ENERGIRON for phased green production starting in 2025.

Economic Performance

Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A. reported of €4,200 million for the ended June 30, 2025 (FY 2024/25), a decrease from €4,349.8 million in FY 2023/24. EBITDA for FY 2024/25 rose to €437.8 million, up from €391.2 million the prior year, reflecting improved operational efficiency despite lower sales volume. Net profit stood at €220.1 million in FY 2024/25, down slightly from €240.8 million in FY 2023/24, influenced by extraordinary expenses and adverse currency fluctuations in the / dollar exchange rate. Over the past five years, Danieli's has exhibited strong growth, expanding from approximately €2.6 billion in FY /21 to peaks above €4 billion in recent years, driven by demand for equipment amid global and industrial recovery post-COVID-19. However, FY 2024/25 marked a modest contraction of about 3.4% year-over-year, attributed to softer performance in the segment and macroeconomic pressures in the metals industry. EBITDA margins have trended upward, reaching around 10.4% in FY 2024/25 from lower bases in earlier periods, supported by cost controls and diversification into and sustainable technologies. Net profitability has remained robust, with consistent positive earnings averaging over €200 million annually since FY 2021/22, though subject to cyclical market volatility.
Fiscal YearRevenue (€ million)EBITDA (€ million)Net Profit (€ million)
2020/212,600Not specifiedNot specified
2021/223,500Not specifiedNot specified
2022/233,116384250
2023/244,350391241
2024/254,200438220
Data compiled from company reports and financial databases; earlier years approximate based on available aggregates. Looking forward, Danieli forecasts revenue of €4,200–4,300 million and EBITDA of €430–450 million for FY 2025/26, signaling stabilization with potential modest growth tied to order backlog recovery and investments in technologies. The company's remains solid, with low leverage and strong cash generation funding R&D and dividends, positioning it resiliently against industry headwinds like raw material price swings and geopolitical disruptions in supply chains.

Market Position and Order Backlog

Danieli & C. S.p.A. maintains a leading position in the global market for steel plant equipment and solutions, specializing in the , , and supply of facilities for ironmaking, , rolling, and finishing processes. As one of the world's foremost providers in this sector, the company serves diverse geographical regions including , the , the , and , with a focus on innovative technologies that align with evolving industry demands for efficiency and . The firm's order backlog, which reflects secured contracts and future visibility, stood at €5.384 billion as of June 30, 2025, the end of its 2024/2025 fiscal year. This backlog is diversified across product lines such as steelmaking plants, rolling mills, and systems, as well as by end-user geography and , providing resilience against sector-specific downturns. Independent analyses note a slight decline from prior peaks, with the backlog at €5.8 billion as of June 30, 2024, attributed to ongoing project executions amid stable demand for modernization in production. Looking ahead, Danieli forecasts an expansion of its order backlog to €6.0-6.2 billion for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, supported by anticipated inflows from green initiatives and digital upgrades in existing facilities. This projection aligns with expected group revenues of €4.2-4.3 billion and EBITDA of €430-450 million, underscoring the company's capacity to capitalize on global industry investments despite cyclical pressures in prices and .

Sustainability Initiatives

Green Steel Production Efforts

Danieli has focused on (DRI) technologies adaptable to as a to enable low-carbon production, with its Energiron allowing up to 100% operation while maintaining high productivity. In June 2025, HBIS became the first steelmaker to produce industrial-scale DRI using over 60% in the feed gas mix via Energiron, demonstrating feasibility for reducing reliance on fossil fuels in ironmaking. selected Energiron in August 2025 for a -enabled DRI plant to produce high-quality green , integrating it with furnaces (EAFs) for . The company has supplied hydrogen-ready DRI plants to clients like Jindal Steel, which ordered a second Zero-Reformer Energiron unit in in September 2025 capable of producing 2 million tons per year of for EAF charging. In March 2025, Danieli partnered with Newcleo to explore nuclear-powered green steel, using lead-cooled fast reactors to supply electricity and heat for DRI and EAF processes, aiming to decarbonize production without intermittent renewables. For scrap-based routes, Danieli provided EAF technology to , which achieved its first heat in September 2025, projecting a 70% emissions reduction when powered by clean grid electricity. Danieli also supports integrated blast furnace routes through its Corus division's Low Emission Action Program, targeting 40% CO2 reductions via top-gas recycling and carbon capture in basic oxygen furnaces. In July 2025, it was selected for a fossil-free mini-mill in Luleå, , featuring two EAFs, secondary metallurgy, and a strip mill for near-zero emissions using renewable power and scrap. Additional efforts include a 2024 agreement with Greensteel for a 100% -powered rebar rolling mill and a 2023 cooperation with Meranti for a DRI-based green steel plant in utilizing renewables. These initiatives emphasize modular, scalable systems to transition existing infrastructure toward net-zero .

Decarbonization Partnerships and Projects

Danieli has formed multiple partnerships to accelerate decarbonization in steel production, focusing on technologies such as , integration, nuclear energy, and carbon capture. These collaborations emphasize practical implementation of low-emission processes, including (DRI) electrification and sourcing, often targeting reductions in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from fossil fuel-dependent operations. In October 2024, Danieli partnered with Ukrainian producer to jointly develop and deploy decarbonization technologies, including CO2 emission reductions, energy optimization, and greenhouse gas mitigation at Metinvest's facilities in and the . The same month, & Systems allied with TOLO Green S.r.l., Italy's largest producer, to create a biological CO2 capture and reuse system integrated into plant off-gases, aiming to convert emissions into for industrial applications. A key project in electric process heating advanced through Danieli's June 2024 strategic partnership with Kanthal, which scales Prothal DH electric elements for Energiron DRI plants, replacing firing to lower CO2 output by enabling full industrial-scale green DRI production. This culminated in a September 2025 pilot launch with Kanthal and EMSTEEL in , installing the world's first electric process-gas heaters (ePGH) in a DRI facility, projected to reduce plant emissions while maintaining operational efficiency through rigorous pre-testing and modeling. Nuclear integration emerged in March 2025 via a memorandum with France's Newcleo, exploring hybrid steelmaking powered by lead-cooled fast reactors for baseload electricity and high-temperature heat, targeting economically viable zero-carbon production without relying on intermittent renewables. Complementing this, a February 2025 trilateral effort with Italy's Leonardo and Saipem focuses on retrofitting blast furnace routes to hybrid electric arc furnaces fed by DRI, incorporating digital twins for emission tracking and CO2 cuts exceeding 80% in select scenarios. Hydrogen-based initiatives include October 2024's agreement with Greensteel Australia for a pioneering 100% hydrogen-powered rolling mill in New South Wales, designed as a zero-emission benchmark using Danieli's Q-One rolling technology adapted for green hydrogen reheating. In July 2025, Australian firm Alter Steel committed to a US$750 million green steel plant in Queensland, leveraging Danieli's electric arc furnace and meltshop designs for hydrogen-direct reduction integration. Additionally, Danieli supplied core equipment for a July 2025 fossil-free mini-mill in Luleå, Sweden, featuring dual electric arc furnaces, secondary metallurgy, and a strip mill optimized for scrap-based, renewable-powered operation. In November 2024, Danieli collaborated with Russia's MMK on decarbonization, deploying injection systems for and alongside top-gas to curb CO2 from traditional routes. These efforts align with Danieli's broader commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, validated under the , though realization depends on client adoption and energy infrastructure scalability.

Criticisms and Challenges

Operational and Employee Feedback

Employee reviews on platforms such as indicate mixed satisfaction at Danieli Group, with an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on over 400 anonymous submissions as of late 2024, reflecting adequate but not exceptional workplace experiences. Common praises include opportunities for skill development, exposure to international projects, and collaboration with skilled colleagues, while frequent criticisms highlight poor work-life balance, high stress levels, and inadequate management support. Similarly, reviews average 3.7 out of 5 from 263 employees, citing low wages, lack of performance feedback, and disregard for work-life boundaries as recurring issues, though some note the company's global scope as a growth enabler. Operational feedback from client projects reveals challenges with delivery timelines and performance reliability. In June 2023, Danieli paid a $5 million penalty to for delays in upgrading a plate mill, attributed to technical problems that postponed operations by several months. A February 2025 settlement with Southern Steel Berhad resolved disputes over a mill project marred by delays and contractual performance shortfalls, costing Danieli €6.3 million. These incidents underscore occasional execution hurdles in complex engineering deliveries, though the company maintains safety protocols and has been certified as a Top Employer in for in 2025. Workplace safety feedback appears proactive but limited by available public data, with Danieli emphasizing prevention through training and policy enforcement, as detailed in internal manuals and hosted educational sessions on accident avoidance in 2024-2025. No major publicized accidents or systemic safety lapses were identified in recent reports, though anonymous reviews occasionally reference high-pressure environments potentially elevating risk. Aggregate employee ratings for compensation and benefits hover at 3.4-3.5 out of 5 across platforms, suggesting room for improvement in retention incentives amid operational demands.

Industry-Wide Pressures and Responses

The global industry faces mounting pressures from decarbonization mandates, with iron and production contributing 7-9% of anthropogenic and emitting around 3.7 billion tonnes of CO2 annually as of 2024, without evidence of emissions peaking despite roadmaps targeting near-zero output by 2050. Overcapacity, fueled by planned expansions primarily in , is projected to rise by 20% by 2027, intensifying market distortions and profitability erosion, as highlighted by the OECD's assessment of a deepening . Additional strains include volatile costs, a 17% decline in prices in recent cycles, and barriers amid geopolitical tensions, which have reduced operating profits in steelmaking equipment sectors by up to 56% in affected regions like . These challenges necessitate resource-constrained shifts, including reliance on limited geological carbon storage, zero-emission , and scrap steel, which constrain scalable pathways to low-carbon production. Industry responses emphasize transitioning from coal-based blast furnaces to furnaces (EAFs) using recycled scrap, alongside nascent hydrogen direct reduction and carbon capture technologies, though barriers persist in technology scaling, policy incentives, and market creation for green steel. Regulations and customer demands are accelerating adoption, with steelmakers investing in electrified processes to comply with emissions targets. Danieli navigates these pressures by developing modular, low-emission plants like Q-ONE, which integrates EAFs with flexible inputs for reduced carbon intensity, and through collaborations such as systems with Kanthal that achieve up to 30% lower CO2 emissions versus traditional routes. The firm also advances carbon capture, fume deduction, and slag treatment systems to enhance environmental compliance, positioning itself amid industry-wide trends despite persistent economic headwinds from price volatility and costs. Executives frame these innovations as converting regulatory and market challenges into competitive edges in sustainable steelmaking.

References

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