METEC in Dusseldorf, the steel producer Gerdau and the full-line supplier of metallurgical plant solutions Primetals Technologies signed a strategic partnership for their digitalization journey. The main goal of this cooperation is the development and realization of a digitalization roadmap for Gerdau, who intends to be the pioneer in the implementation of digital innovation among all steel producers in the world. The focus of the cooperation lies on the execution of digitalization projects, joint development projects and the creation of new business models. The steering committee existing of both experts from Gerdau and Primetals Technologies will start working in July 2019.

Gerdau as a leading steel manufacturer has put digitalization on top of its agenda. Marcos Eduardo Faraco Wahrhaftig, Executive Director at Gerdau, defines the main target for this strategic partnership: “For more than 100 years Gerdau has been a pioneer in the manufacturing of steel products. Now we also want to become the pioneer in the implementation of digital innovation in steel industry. Therefore we have selected Primetals Technologies as the leading technology company in this sector.” Primetals Technologies will support Gerdau in the development and implementation of their digitalization roadmap and showcase the benefits of digitalization technologies. Kurt Herzog, Head of Industry 4.0 at Primetals Technologies, states: “We are looking forward supporting Gerdau to drive their digital transformation in order to commonly create new innovative digital services on the edge of industry 4.0.