Kurum International Albania and Danieli Officine Meccaniche SpA officially signed the investment contract for the construction of a new steel production plant in the Metallurgical Industrial Zone in Elbasan. The signing ceremony took place in Tirana in the presence of representatives of central and local institutions, strategic partners and guests.
This investment represents a strategic industrial project for Albania, in line with national priorities for innovation, competitiveness and sustainable economic development. The new factory will be built on the MIDA Steel Concept technology of Danieli, one of the world leaders in steel industry engineering and technology.
Kurum International's Finance Director, Mr. Arif Shkalla, said: "This day is very important for us as we have managed to sign a strategic partnership, an important contract for us, for the construction of a completely new steel production plant in the city of Elbasan with an investment value of 150 million euros. For the first time in Europe, the MIDA concept is introduced in this industry, which is based on green steel, which will bring sustainable development with particular importance for the environment, which has zero carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This project is not only an industrial investment but is a clear commitment to sustainable development, technological modernization and long-term value. With the construction of the first MIDA plant in Europe, Albania strengthens its strategic position and will be competitive in a European future that awaits us in the near future. We are proud of this partnership with DANIELI, which is the world's leading company in the modernization of technology in the steel industry. Their experience and vision align with the objectives of KURUM International. for sustainable and responsible growth, industrial modernization while respecting the environment and the local community.”
With the implementation of this project, Albania will become the host country of the first MIDA Steel plant in Europe, positioning itself directly in the European green steel market. MIDA technology enables high energy efficiency, significant reduction of environmental impact and advanced production standards, in line with European policies for the decarbonization of the industry.
Meanwhile, the representative of Danieli Group, Mr. Federico Rocchetti, emphasized the fact that the plant that Kurum has selected is being implemented for the first time in Europe. "This new concept in the production of steel for construction significantly reduces energy consumption, minimizes carbon emissions, meeting the conditions and guaranteeing the perfect environmental parameters for certification as green steel, to guarantee sustainable economic growth of the Elbasan region, revitalizing the Albanian industry. We thank KURUM for the trust they have given us. We are happy to be partners in this technological investment which will change the operating mindset of manufacturers not only in Albania but also in Europe and beyond. as we think that it should serve as a stimulus for all those who make investments in this direction to help preserve the environment. We need bold choices like the one KURUM has made as we need to preserve our future for ourselves and especially for our children. We thank KURUM for everything and we are ready to embark on this journey together.", he said.
The Mayor of Elbasan, Gledian Llatja, in his welcoming speech, said: “I want to thank you very much for the cooperation we have had so far, where Elbasan is one of the 100 European cities for reducing the level of carbon in the atmosphere. We as a municipality are concluding climate contracts, where KURUM, together with other businesses in the industrial area, are among the first with whom we have started discussions since 2021, which had a positive approach to changing technology. I am pleased that today we are talking about a green steel and about a factory that is the first in Europe in terms of the technology used. We have seen factories in the USA or other continents, but they had not been implemented in Europe yet. I am pleased that even within the framework of the project to reduce carbon emissions in Elbasan, we have this new industry, which is significant for the Elbasan municipality and the steel industry. The dilemma that we have always had, industrial city or tourist city, we have now solved by having a green industry and a sustainable tourism in Elbasan. In fact, this is what we are working on and this is what we have expected or expect from our businesses. I have a thank you for KURUM because despite the factory being closed, the company is paying its employees according to an agreement reached earlier between the company and the Municipality of Elbasan.”
The total investment for this project is around 150 million Euros, reaching an annual production capacity of close to one million tons of construction iron and other steel products. The project duration is 24 months and with the commissioning of this new factory, Albanian steel exports to the region will be restored, targeting European markets along with Albania's journey towards accession to the European Union.
The investment is expected to contribute significantly to industrial modernization, job creation, increased value-added production and strengthening the domestic industrial chain. At the same time, the project reinforces Elbasan's role as a strategic industrial center and increases Albania's attractiveness for advanced and environmentally responsible investments.
Editorial
