The TMK project was recognized as the main event of 2025 in the Russian metallurgy
The modernization of the electric steelmaking plant of the Volga Pipe Plant (VTZ), part of the Pipe Metallurgical Company (TMK), was recognized as the "Main event of 2025 in the Russian metallurgy" following a competition organized by the organizing committee of the international exhibition Metal Expo 2025. As part of the project, an updated continuous casting machine No. 2 (MNLZ-2) was put into commercial operation at the VTZ.
Thanks to the modernization of the MNLZ‑2, TMK has expanded the production of continuously cast billets for the manufacture of pipes, including stainless and corrosion-resistant steel grades. A number of innovative solutions have been implemented: an additional circuit for electromagnetic mixing of metal has been equipped, air‑water cooling systems and individual control of the hydraulic system of properly pulling crates have been introduced. In addition, the installation was equipped with an automatic feeding device for slag-forming mixtures.
Also, during the modernization, a vacuum-oxygen refining unit was put into operation in the VTZ electric steelmaking shop, which allows the removal of excess carbon from molten steel. All these improvements combined contributed to a significant improvement in the quality of the workpieces and the optimization of the production process.
The Engineering Center of the FSUE State Scientific Center carried out the development of design documentation for the modernization of the MNLZ‑2."I.
P. Bardin Central Research Institute is a leading industry research institute.
"Recognizing the importance of our project for the industry is not only a great honor, but also a confirmation of the correctness of TMK's chosen course for continuous technological development and strengthening the position of the domestic metallurgy industry as a whole," said Evgeny Zaselsky, TMK's Chief Engineer.
The competition "The main event in Russian Metallurgy" has been held since 2011. Its main goal is to support and popularize large—scale innovative projects that contribute to the development of the metallurgical industry. The winners of the competition are determined by a closed vote of the organizing committee of the Metal Expo exhibition, which includes, in particular, representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, as well as industry unions and associations. The awarding ceremony traditionally takes place within the framework of Metal Expo, a key platform for demonstrating the achievements of Russian metallurgy and sharing best practices. In 2025, the exhibition will be held in St. Petersburg for the first time.
The TMK project was recognized as the main event of 2025 in the Russian metallurgy industry