ArcelorMittal produces more than 1.6 million tonnes of steel packaging in Europe at five production sites in France, Belgium and Spain.
By-products zone
Paul Weigh, head of media relations, ArcelorMittal, told BeverageDaily, the incident happened at approximately 3pm on Monday (November 20) in the by-products zone of its coke plant.
“The internal and external emergency services arrived on site quickly but tragically, the accident resulted in one fatality; two people were injured and are both in a stable condition,” he said.
“Our deepest condolences go to the families, friends and colleagues of the victim and our thoughts are with the injured and their families.
“We can confirm there is no danger to the surrounding area and the installation has been made safe.
“The coke plant gas is currently being flared in accordance with stated procedures in these circumstances, creating visible flames above the coke plant that do not pose a danger.”
In Europe, ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon Europe produces steel packaging for food, drink, aerosol, industrial and decorative cans, and easy-open ends and caps.
The company also produces microwaveable steel trays, and Creasteel, which enables the creation of various shapes in ready meal packaging.
The production sites are supported by five service centres; Canossa (Italy), Barcelona (Spain), Gemlik (Turkey) and Odessa (Ukraine) and a global research and development (R&D) centre in Maizières-les-Metz, France.
Investigation continues
The perimeter of the plant has been fenced off while ArcelorMittal investigates the exact circumstances and cause of the accident and will provide more information as soon as possible.
On its website, the company says it manufactures products for all parts of the packaging industry, including mechanical properties from 230 megapascals (Mpa) to 750 Mpa, gauges from 0.49mm to 0.10mm, adapted equipment for slitting and cutting into sheets, and coating options.
For example, ArcelorMittal has developed Maleïs, which is a range of steel with enhanced mechanical characteristics and improved elongation for use in cylindrical easy-open ends.