September 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the inauguration of Siderca, Tenaris’s seamless steel pipe mill in Campana, Argentina. Seven decades later, this production center remains a key player in the region’s industrial landscape.
When Siderca was founded in 1954, it aimed to meet Argentina’s local demand. By 1959, the mill had expanded its production capacity, and in 1962, the steelshop began operating, significantly broadening the plant’s capabilities. By the late 1960s, a portion of its output was being exported. The installation of the direct reduction mill in 1976, along with new continuous rolling mills in 1977 and 1988, transformed the facility into a global export hub. Today, Tenaris exports 70% of its production to over 50 countries and employs more than 9,300 people in Argentina.
In keeping with Tenaris’s belief that an industrial project must grow alongside its community, a significant milestone was reached in 2013 with the opening of the Roberto Rocca Technical School in Campana. This institution has since become a pillar of education in the region. Recognized for its innovative learning approach, the school was a finalist for the 2023 World’s Best School Prize, awarded by T4 Education, a global organization dedicated to improving education worldwide.
Sustainability has always been a priority at Siderca. Recently, a new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) featuring Consteel® technology was installed at the steelshop. With a production capacity of 950,000 tons of liquid steel for seamless pipe production, the new EAF replaced one of the older units, significantly reducing CO2 emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and boosting steel output.
Furthermore, the Buena Ventura wind farm now provides 103.2 MW of renewable energy to Siderca via an interconnected grid. This project, Tenaris’s first wind farm globally, comprises 24 turbines generating 509 GWh annually, supplying nearly 50% of Siderca’s energy needs and reducing CO2 emissions by 152,000 tons per year. A second wind farm is currently under construction, and together, both projects will provide renewable energy to almost the entire production center.
After seven decades, our industrial center remains a major contributor to Argentina’s industrial development. Our entrepreneurial spirit is still strong, driving innovation and a commitment to sustainable operations through substantial investments, all while maintaining safety and industrial excellence,” said Javier Martínez Álvarez, Tenaris President for the Southern Cone.
