Outokumpu sets up New Hampshire pilot plant for low-carbon metals

Outokumpu is advancing its EVOLVE strategy (2026-2030) with a USD 45 mln investment in a new pilot plant in New Hampshire, U.S., aimed at producing carbon-free materials such as chromium metal and enriched ferrochrome. The plant, expected to begin operations in H1 2027, marks a key step toward scaling up the company's proprietary low-carbon technology unveiled in mid-2025.

The EVOLVE strategy focuses on maximizing value from sustainable stainless steel while expanding into high-margin advanced materials. Outokumpu's new process has been successfully tested from lab-scale (1g) to pre-pilot-scale (1kg), and the pilot phase will demonstrate scalability to 1 ton per day of production.

The facility will produce enriched ferrochrome (65pct chrome) and chromium metal (>90pct chrome), both offering lower carbon footprints and higher market value. Following successful trials, Outokumpu plans to build an industrial-scale plant by 2029-2030 with an annual capacity of 10,000 tons.

The technology supports Outokumpu's move into specialty metals, enabling production for aerospace, defense, and energy applications where high-purity, heat-resistant materials like chromium metal are in high demand.

Outokumpu is a global stainless steel company, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with production facilities in Finland, Sweden, the UK, the US, and the Netherlands.