ME Elecmetal, alongside state and local leaders, celebrated a major milestone in operational efficiency and environmental stewardship with a groundbreaking ceremony for its Coreless Induction Furnace (CIF) Plant Upgrade at the company’s Duluth facility.
Held at the future location of the new furnaces in Gary/New Duluth, the event brought together elected officials, industry partners, and community members to mark the beginning of a transformative $14.9 million investment in sustainable steelmaking. The new induction furnace technology is scheduled to be fully installed in 2027.
A Strategic Investment in Cleaner Steelmaking
To meet rising expectations for productivity, safety, and environmental performance, ME Elecmetal North America will replace the output of three existing Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) with two state-of-the-art Coreless Induction Furnaces (CIFs).
Approved by the company’s Board of Directors in May 2025, the project also secured a $4.3 million grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) through its Industrial Facility Air Toxic and Criteria Emission Reduction Program. The funding supports pollution reduction efforts in Environmental-Justice communities and strengthens Duluth’s role in ME Elecmetal’s global supply chain.
“This upgrade will reduce emissions, waste, electricity consumption, and overall costs,” said Roger Reinert, Mayor of Duluth. “ME Elecmetal is one of Duluth’s storied manufacturers and a global leader in mining solutions. Congratulations to the team and thank you for this significant investment in both Duluth and the future of this facility.”
By transitioning to induction melting technology engineered in partnership with Vulcan Engineering, the Duluth foundry will enter a new era of modern steelmaking.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a historic moment that will drive the future development of Duluth and Minnesota,” said Ted Angelo, President of ME Elecmetal North America. “We are not simply a metal castings manufacturer — we are a company that invests in our people, technology, and community. This project strengthens our commitment to growing responsibly and sustainably.”
Scott Schudalla, Vice President of Manufacturing, added, “This investment enhances our production capabilities, lowers environmental impact, and supports long-term competitiveness in Northern Minnesota while creating in-demand career opportunities.”
The CIF installation supports ME Elecmetal’s global roadmap to double the business by 2030 without expanding its carbon footprint, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.
“We are not simply a metal castings manufacturer — we are a company that invests in our people, technology, and community. This project strengthens our commitment to growing responsibly and sustainably.”
— Ted Angelo, President ME Elecmetal North America
This investment enhances our production capabilities, lowers environmental impact, and supports long-term competitiveness in Northern Minnesota while creating in-demand career opportunities.”
— Scott Schudalla, Vice President of Manufacturing
The CIF installation supports ME Elecmetal’s global roadmap to double the business by 2030 without expanding its carbon footprint, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.
Learn More
Regular updates on the Duluth upgrade are available at: usa.me-elecmetal.com/en-us/duluthupgrade/.
Together with its customers, communities, and people, ME Elecmetal is forging a cleaner, safer, and more efficient future for steelmaking and the mining industry.
About the MPCA
The MPCA safeguards Minnesota’s air, land, and water while driving climate resilience. Through partnerships and innovation grants—such as the funding for ME Elecmetal’s furnace conversion—the agency helps communities and industries adopt cleaner technologies that bolster public health and economic vitality.
