Kurum International Albania and Danieli Officine Meccaniche S.p.A. officially signed the new investment contract for the construction of a new steel production plant in the Metallurgical Industrial Zone of Elbasan. The signing ceremony took place in Tirana, in the presence of representatives of central and local institutions, strategic partners and invited guests.
This investment represents a strategic industrial project for Albania, aligned with national priorities for innovation, competitiveness and sustainable economic development. The new factory will be built using the MIDA Steel Concept technology of Danieli, one of the world’s leading companies in steel industry engineering and technology.
Kurum International’s Finance Director, Mr. Arif Shkalla, said: “This day is very important for us, as we have managed to sign a strategic partnership, an important contract for the construction of a completely new steel production plant in the city of Elbasan, with an investment value of 150 million euros. For the first time in Europe, the MIDA concept is being introduced in this industry. It is based on green steel and will bring sustainable development with particular importance for the environment, with zero carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This project is not only an industrial investment, but also a clear commitment to sustainable development, technological modernization and long-term value. With the construction of the first MIDA plant in Europe, Albania strengthens its strategic position and will be competitive in a European future that awaits us in the near future. We are proud of this partnership with DANIELI, the world’s leading company in the modernization of technology in the steel industry. Their experience and vision align with the objectives of KURUM International for sustainable and responsible growth, industrial modernization, while respecting the environment and the local community.”
With the implementation of this project, Albania will become the host country of the first MIDA Steel plant in Europe, positioning itself directly in the European green steel market. MIDA technology enables high energy efficiency, a significant reduction of environmental impact and advanced production standards, in line with European policies for the decarbonization of industry.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Danieli Group, Mr. Federico Rocchetti, emphasized that the plant selected by Kurum is being implemented for the first time in Europe. “This new concept in the production of construction steel significantly reduces energy consumption and minimizes carbon emissions, meeting the conditions and guaranteeing the environmental parameters required for certification as green steel. It ensures sustainable economic growth for the Elbasan region, revitalizing Albanian industry. We thank KURUM for the trust they have placed in us. We are happy to be partners in this technological investment, which will change the operating mindset of manufacturers not only in Albania, but also in Europe and beyond, as we believe it should serve as a stimulus for all those who invest in this direction to help preserve the environment. We need bold choices like the one KURUM has made, because we need to preserve our future, for ourselves and especially for our children. We thank KURUM and we are ready to embark on this journey together,” he said.
The Mayor of Elbasan, Gledian Llatja, in his welcoming speech, said: “I would like to sincerely thank you for the cooperation we have had so far, considering that Elbasan is one of the 100 European cities working to reduce carbon emissions. As a municipality, we are concluding climate contracts, where KURUM, together with other businesses in the industrial area, has been among the first with whom we started discussions back in 2021, showing a positive approach toward technological change. I am pleased that today we are talking about green steel and about a factory that is the first of its kind in Europe in terms of the technology used. We have seen similar factories in the USA or other continents, but they had not yet been implemented in Europe. I am pleased that, within the framework of the project to reduce carbon emissions in Elbasan, we now have this new industry, which is significant for the municipality of Elbasan and for the steel industry. The dilemma we have always had — industrial city or tourist city — has now been resolved by combining green industry with sustainable tourism in Elbasan. This is what we are working toward and what we expect from our businesses. I would also like to thank KURUM because, despite the factory being closed, the company continues to pay its employees according to an agreement previously reached between the company and the Municipality of Elbasan.”
The total investment for this project is around 150 million euros, with an annual production capacity of nearly one million tons of construction iron and other steel products. The project duration is 24 months, and with the commissioning of this new factory, Albanian steel exports to the region are expected to be restored, targeting European markets in line with Albania’s journey toward accession to the European Union.
The investment is expected to contribute significantly to industrial modernization, the creation of new jobs, the growth of value-added production and the strengthening of the domestic industrial chain. At the same time, the project reinforces the role of Elbasan as a strategic industrial center and increases Albania’s attractiveness for advanced and environmentally responsible investments.