History

1913

The forge is founded as part of Röchling’sche Eisen- und Stahlwerke GmbH. The plant begins producing drop forgings with hammers weighing 230 kilograms and 1,250-kilograms.

1931

Start of production of heavy open-die forgings with finished weights of up to 15 tons.

1950s

The forge is one of Europe’s most important manufacturers of large cold rollers. During the economic miracle era, the forge begins producing turbine and generator shafts which continue to be some of the most challenging forged parts to produce to this day.

1961-1968

Comprehensive modernization: Redesign of the press and hammer mill, construction of a new electric steel plant, a new tempering plant and a new machining workshop. The investments enable production of the most advanced high-alloy forged parts for power engineering.

1973

Delivery of the world’s largest block container to date (105-ton finished weight).

1970s and 1980s

Production of large magnets for major European research institutes.

1993

Saarschmiede GmbH Freiformschmiede is founded as a wholly owned subsidiary of Saarstahl AG.

1990s

Market leadership achieved in the demanding high- and low-pressure shafts and steam turbines segments.

2010

Inauguration of the new forge: one of the most advanced forges in the world.

2013

100th anniversary of Saarschmiede – 100 years of investment, innovation and expertise.

2015

Saarschmiede supplies forgings for the power supply of the future.

Saarschmiede supplies Fusion for Energy (F4E), the European Union’s joint undertaking for the ITER project, which aims to test the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy.

2016

Saarschmiede supplies rotor shaft for world record-breaking hydropower generator.

As part of the modernization of the Langenprozelten pumped storage power plant (Gemünden), Donau-Wasserkraft AG also has the two generators replaced for which Saarschmiede supplied two large rotor shafts.

2017

Saarschmiede supplies forgings for the world’s largest hydraulic press built with private investment.

2018

Successful new start: Saarschmiede looks to the future.

The company relaunches with a smaller, highly motivated team after its restructuring was successfully completed on 1 January 2018.

2023

Saarschmiede receives “Strategic Supplier Award 2022”.

Shanghai Electric Power Generation Equipment Co., Ltd. (SEPG) honors Saarschmiede GmbH Freiformschmiede as a strategic supplier. A delegation from SEPG presents the award on 19 April 2023 to Danny van der Hout, Managing Director of Saarschmiede GmbH Freiformschmiede.

2024

MHI honors Saarschmiede as “Partner of the Year”.

A delegation from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) presents the award to Danny van der Hout, Managing Director of Saarschmiede GmbH Freiformschmiede, on 12 March.