ArcelorMittal Poland has finished a PLN 40 million modernization at its Krakow branch, adapting galvanizing plant No. 2 to produce sheet metal with the new Optigal alloy.

The innovative coating, based on zinc, magnesium, and aluminum, offers better corrosion resistance and greater plastic properties than previous alloys. This allows the company to expand its product range for the construction sector, especially for trapezoidal sheets or sandwich panels.

A main part of the upgrade involved installing two new galvanizing baths with a complex transport and lifting system, enabling the plant to switch between the existing alloy and the new 180-ton Optigal bath.

Chairman and CEO Wojciech Koszuta said that the investment is part of nearly PLN 2.7 billion spent on the company's rolling mills, affirming Krakow's importance. Commercial production of sheet metal with the new coating is scheduled to begin in 2026 after final certification and approvals.