Mexican steel producer Talleres y Aceros SA de CV (TYASA) has awarded Primetals Technologies a contract to supply a twin vacuum degassing (VD) plant for its steelmaking facility in Ixtaczoquitlán, Mexico. The new installation is scheduled to become operational in October 2027 and is expected to enhance steel production capacity while enabling the manufacture of a wider range of premium-grade products.
The investment forms part of TYASA’s strategy to strengthen its production capabilities and improve operational efficiency at its integrated steel complex. Once commissioned, the vacuum degassing plant will enhance meltshop performance, increase overall plant output and support the production of high-quality steel grades for domestic and international markets.
Under the agreement, Primetals Technologies will provide the complete engineering package, including key mechanical systems, vacuum pump technology, hydraulic and fluid systems, electrical equipment, Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems, and technical advisory services covering installation and commissioning.
The project has been designed to minimise disruption to ongoing production activities. The existing plant layout and utility infrastructure were originally developed with provisions for a future vacuum degassing facility, allowing the new equipment to be integrated with limited impact on current operations. These earlier expansion works were also carried out by Primetals Technologies.
A key feature of the project is a customised twin VD configuration developed specifically for TYASA’s production requirements. The new system will operate on the same rail tracks and use the same ladle cars currently serving the twin ladle furnaces previously supplied by Primetals Technologies.
To optimise material handling, the existing ladle cars will be upgraded with vacuum degassing tanks while retaining their original frames. This configuration allows ladle furnace treatment to be performed while the ladle remains positioned inside the vacuum degassing vessel, eliminating the need for repeated crane transfers between processing stages. The approach is expected to improve productivity, reduce equipment movement and streamline steelmaking operations.
The vacuum degassing plant will support TYASA’s Castrip casting and rolling facility by enabling a new LF-VD-LF processing route. The integrated production sequence will enhance the performance of the company’s EAF Quantum electric arc furnace while improving the efficiency of the overall manufacturing process.
The latest order further strengthens the long-standing partnership between TYASA and Primetals Technologies. Over the years, the technology provider has supplied several major production systems to the Mexican steelmaker, including an EAF Quantum electric arc furnace, twin ladle furnaces, a Castrip plant and a reversing cold mill. In 2018, Primetals Technologies also secured a contract to install a combined galvanizing and colour coating line for processing strip produced by the Castrip facility. Beyond equipment supply, Primetals Technologies continues to support TYASA through maintenance services delivered from its dedicated workshop in Mexico, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the customer.
TYASA is a family-owned steel producer employing more than 3,000 people. The company manufactures special steels, flat steel products, coated steels and construction-grade steel, serving a broad range of industrial and infrastructure markets across Mexico and beyond.
Primetals Technologies Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a global engineering and technology company serving the metals industry. The company specializes in plant engineering, equipment manufacturing and lifecycle services, offering comprehensive solutions across the entire iron and steel production value chain—from raw material processing to finished products. Its portfolio includes advanced electrification and automation systems, digital technologies, environmental solutions and state-of-the-art rolling technologies for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. A Group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Primetals Technologies employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide and supports steel and metals producers with innovative, sustainable and high-performance manufacturing solutions.
