Cogne SMP trusts Danieli expertise for the UK’s largest superalloy forging press

Danieli Breda and Special Melted Products Ltd (SMP), part of the Cogne Group, have signed a contract for the supply of a new 70-MN forging line for special steels, to be installed at SMP’s production facility in Sheffield, United Kingdom.

“Project Vulcan” includes the supply of a 70-MN hydraulic fast-forging press manufactured in Danieli workshops, integrated with rail-mounted and robotized manipulators. The forging line will feature advanced hydraulic and automation systems developed by Danieli Breda, including process simulation tools and predictive maintenance functions.

Designed with a compact and robust configuration, the press will deliver forging forces up to 70 MN, with stroking rates exceeding 100 cycles per minute, ensuring high productivity and operational reliability.

The new forging line is scheduled to start operation in 2027 and will support the consolidation of SMP’s leadership in the supply of high-integrity steels, superalloys, and advanced components for highly regulated, mission-critical sectors such as aerospace, energy, and civil nuclear.

The signing ceremony was held on January 21.

Andy Richardson, CEO and Managing Director of SMP, stated: “This new forging press strengthens our capabilities, supports both UK and international supply chains, and reinforces our position as a world-class supplier of high-performance metallic materials and components. Project Vulcan enables SMP to continue to deliver critical products to aerospace, nuclear, and other demanding industries, all manufactured with the expertise that has made SMP and Sheffield a global leader”.

Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, CEO of Danieli, commented: “This contract confirms Danieli’s role as a technology partner for large-scale forging applications. The new press for SMP combines high mechanical performance with advanced digital solutions, supporting the production of superalloys and specialty steels for the most demanding industrial sectors.”