Flémalle (Liège), May 2026 – ArcelorMittal Belgium has successfully restarted Galva 5, its hot dip galvanizing line in Flémalle, bringing the site back into operation after four years of inactivity. The restart strengthens ArcelorMittal Belgium’s industrial footprint and expands the availability of metallic-coated steel in thicker gauges for customers across Europe.

Following the acquisition of the line in July 2025, ArcelorMittal launched a thorough revamping and modernization program for the full line. The revamping covered roof works, maintenance of the coil feeding and uncoiling equipment. Both the pickling section and the zinc bath have been restored. In parallel, the digital infrastructure on site was upgraded.

Safety and people at the heart of the project

The restart is underpinned by a strong people-driven approach. Around 70 employees, many with experience from the Galva 5 line or other sites, are now operating the line, combining high standards with a strong team culture.

Safety was a top priority throughout the ramp-up, with dedicated training and rigorous supervision to secure optimal working conditions from day one.

A strategic asset for Belgium and ArcelorMittal Europe

With Galva 5 back in operation, ArcelorMittal once again has a Belgian production line capable of supplying metallic coated steel in thicker formats, complementing the group’s broader European metallic coated portfolio. The line is fully integrated into ArcelorMittal Belgium’s supply chain, processing hot rolled coils produced in Ghent and delivering galvanized products to key industrial markets.

Galva 5 products are designed for demanding applications, including road safety equipment and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) components, as well as a range of industrial and automotive uses.

Located in the heart of Europe, the Flémalle site provides efficient access to strategic industrial customer basins, supporting reliable lead times and flexible service.

Technical profile of Galva 5

Galva 5 is a flexible and efficient hot dip galvanizing line capable of processing hot rolled substrates up to 6.35 mm thick and 1,880 mm wide. 

In-line pickling enables a short and efficient production route and supports compatibility with high-strength steels and a range of metallic coatings, contributing to ArcelorMittal’s low-CO2 steel solutions.

“The restart of Galva 5 is an important milestone for our teams and for our customers. The line is ready to deliver high-quality metallic coated steel in thicker formats, backed by a strong safety culture and fully integrated logistics in Belgium. I am proud of our skilled and motivated team. Finalizing this challenging project in less than 10 months, when the line had been out of operation for four years, is true teamwork.”

  • Frederik Van De Velde, CEO of ArcelorMittal Belgium
Staff for the Galva 5 steel coil startup