Reding noted that ArcelorMittal is accustomed to adapting to changing cycles in the industry.
According to Reding, ArcelorMittal’s plants in Luxembourg continue to be “absolutely competitive,” and the company is committed to making further investments in the region. He highlighted planned construction of a new electric furnace at the Belval site to supply the Rodange plant, which now operates alongside Belval and Differdange as a unified site.
Regarding the restructuring carried out between 2020 and 2021, which involved the elimination of nearly 600 jobs in Luxembourg, Reding stated that the adjustments were “re-adapted to reality” over the years. The actual job cuts turned out to be smaller than initially expected due to improved economic conditions. The new head of ArcelorMittal Luxembourg also said that the trade unions could be trusted “to ensure that nothing happens that has not been agreed.”
Regarding the company’s approach to energy transition, Reding mentioned that ArcelorMittal had already closed all traditional blast furnaces in the 1990s and shifted to electric furnaces processing scrap metal, leading to reduced emissions in Luxembourg. The company’s objective is to achieve zero emissions in Europe by 2050. The technology to achieve this is already available, according to Reding.
Addressing the company’s Dommeldange site, Reding confirmed that the ArcelorMittal workshop will remain operational because “there is know-how and machinery there that the group would like to keep.” However, no decision has been made yet regarding the significant building project mentioned three years ago by the weekly Lëtzebuerger Land. Parts of the site are currently leased to other companies.
Reding stressed that any real estate project at Dommeldange would require collaboration with the government. Reding also discussed ArcelorMittal’s new headquarters, which will be located in Kirchberg, specifically in the K22 building, set for completion in 2026. Reding anticipates the building will serve as a showcase for modern steel construction, equipped with cutting-edge, energy-efficient technology.
