When Ovako Imatra implemented the largest investment in its recent history—a major €15 million upgrade to its roughing mill—the project’s critical electrification and installation scope was entrusted to the experts at IEI Services Oy. Despite the company being only six months old at the time, the project demanded high-level technical expertise, dynamic resourcing, and the ability to operate with absolute precision in a heavy industrial environment where compromising on the schedule was not an option.
Strategic investment to ensure production capacity
The modernization of Ovako Imatra’s roughing mill was a significant step in strengthening the facility’s competitiveness and security of supply—marking the plant's largest investment in over 30 years. Central to the investment was the complete overhaul of the drive trains for the first and second roll pairs,
leading to a 16,000-tonne annual increase in production capacity.
"IEI Services was responsible for the technical implementation of the electrification, which included the replacement of rolling mill motors, electric drives, and transformers.
”We had heard positive feedback about IEI Services and their previous successful projects. Their proposal was competitive, and IEI impressed us during the negotiations.” – Ovako
The scope of work included the power supply and control systems for three massive rolling mill motors, as well as the connections for the 10 kV main switchgear. Additionally, IEI Services was responsible for the installation of the Siemens TIA safety logic and control systems, ensuring modern automation and safety integration for the lines.
Technical specifications and scope of works
The scale of the project required precise technical management. IEI Services was responsible for the supply and installation of all cables, cable trays, and installation materials. At the technical core were three rolling mill motors, each with a power rating of 3215 kW. The installation scope included a total of approximately 16,500 meters of cable (approx. 400 individual cables) and 700 meters of new cable tray systems.
Project management and operational performance
"In industrial shutdown projects, the schedule is a non-negotiable parameter, and in this project, the main equipment installations were carried out during the summer maintenance shutdown within a five-week window. IEI Services managed the project through dynamic resourcing, with the installation crew peaking at 18 personnel.
"Preparatory works began as early as May with cable tray and switchgear installations, ensuring that the shutdown period in the process area was utilized efficiently. During the actual installation phase, work was carried out under demanding conditions, six days a week, with shifts lasting up to 18 hours. Challenges were further intensified by a simultaneous 30-degree heatwave and parallel demolition and installation works by other contractors.
”IEI was a highly professional partner, and even the most challenging situations were handled excellently. Any challenges encountered were resolved smoothly, for the most part right at the workstations.” – Ovako
"Despite the tight schedule and heavy workload, the entire installation phase was completed in an exemplary manner without a single safety incident.
Results and established trust
Production was successfully launched on schedule in August 2025. Since commissioning, the systems have operated flawlessly, and the new equipment provides optimized power and torque to meet the mill's requirements.
Ovako summarizes the success of the project:
”The collaboration was of high quality, and IEI showed an outstanding commitment to the project goals while remaining highly solution-oriented. The atmosphere on-site was excellent, despite the long days and heavy workload.”
