Cogne Group orders new forging line for SMP's Sheffield plant

Cogne Group has signed a contract with Danieli Breda for the supply of a 70-MN forging line to be installed at Special Melted Products (SMP)'s facility in Sheffield.

The project, named "Vulcan", includes a 70-MN hydraulic fast-forging press built by Danieli and integrated with rail-mounted, robotized manipulators. The line will feature advanced hydraulics and automation, including process simulation and predictive maintenance systems.

Designed in a compact, robust configuration, the press will deliver forging forces of up to 70 MN with stroke rates above 100 cycles per minute, supporting high productivity and reliability. Start-up is scheduled for 2027, strengthening SMP's position in supplying high-integrity steels and superalloys to aerospace, energy and civil nuclear markets.

Special Melted Products (SMP), acquired by Cogne Group in September 2023, is a manufacturer of high-quality specialty steels and nickel-based superalloys. Cogne Group is a leading global manufacturer of stainless steel long products and nickel alloys based in Aosta, Italy.