Special Melted Products Ltd (SMP) and Danieli Breda reached an agreement on January 21 for a new 70-MN forging line in Sheffield.

Known as "Project Vulcan," this installation features the largest superalloy forging press in the UK, integrating a hydraulic fast-forging press with rail-mounted and robotized manipulators, as well as process simulation tools and predictive maintenance functions. The equipment achieves over 100 cycles per minute, providing the capacity for high-productivity specialty metal manufacturing.

Scheduled for operation in 2027, the line will produce high-integrity steels and superalloys for the aerospace, energy, and civil nuclear sectors.

SMP CEO and Managing Director Andy Richardson said that the press strengthens international supply chain capabilities. Danieli CEO Giacomo Mareschi Danieli added that the project combines mechanical performance with digital solutions for demanding industrial applications.