Large-scale metal processing plant decommissioning

The challenge

A major European metal (pipe production) processing manufacturer decided to close one of its production locations in central Germany due to declining demand for large-diameter seamless high-pressure pipes — primarily used in lignite-fired power plants.

The project involved two sites within the same city, with one location being fully decommissioned. The scope was substantial: dismantling complete production lines, removing heavy furnaces and CNC machinery, and returning the buildings to a fully stripped and clean state — all while maximising circular reuse and recycling value…..

The solution & execution

Gerritsen Group was appointed to execute the project under full own management, combining industrial dismantling expertise with circular asset handling. Scope of work included:

• Dismantling of 12 complete production lines
• Removal of 20 CNC lathes, prepared for global resale to end users
• Controlled dismantling of 8 annealing furnaces and 10 bogie hearth furnaces
• Full removal of all production-related technical installations
• Complete soft strip of the buildings, resulting in fully cleared facilities
• On-site logistics enabling direct transport to steelworks for recycling

The project was executed over a period of approximately six months, with activities carefully sequenced to maintain safety, efficiency and material traceability.

The result

In total, approximately 10,000 tonnes of material were removed from the site. High-value CNC machinery was successfully sold worldwide to end users, while raw materials, furnaces and steel structures were prepared for direct recycling.

By performing dismantling and separation on location, materials could be transported directly to steelworks for remelting, enabling immediate reuse as new steel and significantly reducing unnecessary transport and handling steps.

The sites were handed over fully cleared and cleaned, ready for future redevelopment.