Outokumpu is investing approximately 45 million dollars in a new pilot plant in New Hampshire, USA, as part of its EVOLVE strategy to scale up the production of low-carbon chromium metal and refined ferrochrome. The facility is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2027.
In 2024, the company established a state-of-the-art laboratory near Boston, where it successfully advanced its proprietary technology from the laboratory scale (1 gram) to a pre-pilot scale (1 kilogram). The new pilot plant aims to further scale up production from 1 kilogram to 1 ton, demonstrating the industrial scalability of this technology.
According to the production plan, the facility will focus on two key products: refined ferrochrome with 65% chromium content and chromium metal with over 90% purity. These high-grade materials are intended for high-performance sectors such as aerospace, defense, and energy. The superior heat resistance and hardness of chromium metal make it particularly valuable for demanding applications like fighter jet engines.
Following the pilot phase, Outokumpu plans to establish a full-scale industrial facility with an annual production capacity of 10.000 tons, targeted for commissioning between 2029 and 2030. The company expects the full commercial potential of its proprietary technology to be realized from 2030 onward.
Stefan Erdmann, Outokumpu’s Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment:
“In line with our EVOLVE strategy, we are proud to move further up the chromium value chain by producing low-CO₂ metals. After years of R&D, our proprietary technology targeting high-purity metals enables us to produce sustainable, high-performance materials. With limited supply in the West and growing demand, this represents a significant market opportunity.”
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