Finland’s Outokumpu, Europe’s largest stainless steel producer, announced plans to invest $45 million in a new pilot plant in New Hampshire, marking a major step toward industrial-scale production of low-carbon, high-purity chromium materials. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2027, the company said.
The investment follows the establishment of a research laboratory near Boston in 2024, where Outokumpu developed and tested proprietary technology over the past four years. The company has successfully scaled production of enriched ferrochrome and chromium metal from laboratory scale (1 g) to pre-pilot scale (1 kg).
The pilot plant will aim to prove the industrial feasibility and scalability of this process by increasing daily output from 1 kg to 1 ton. It will produce two high-value materials:
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Enriched ferrochrome with 65% chromium content, and
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Chromium metal with more than 90% chromium content.
If successful, Outokumpu plans to follow up with the construction of a full-scale industrial plant capable of producing 10,000 tons per year between 2029 and 2030, unlocking the full commercial potential of its proprietary technology by 2030.
The company’s new process promises a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional methods, while creating opportunities to supply premium-grade chromium materials for aerospace, defense, and energy sectors, where demand for sustainable, high-performance metals is growing rapidly.
“Backed by years of research, we are leveraging proprietary technology targeting premium-priced, high-purity metals essential for demanding sectors,” said Stefan Erdmann, Outokumpu’s Chief Technology Officer. “With limited Western supply and growing demand, we see a significant market opportunity for sustainable, high-performance materials.”
