Cockerill Forges & Ringmill (Halo Steelrings Liegè)

Discover the history of Cockerill Forges & Ringmill in Liège, its shift to Halo Steelrings, and the eventual closure of this legendary steel mill.

October 5, 2024
Heavy Machinery in Abandoned Steel Mill

The Cockerill Forges & Ringmill Steel Mill was established in the early 19th century by John Cockerill, an influential figure who spearheaded Belgium’s industrial revolution. Located in Liège, the mill became known for producing high-quality steel products, specializing in forged and ring-rolled components that were essential for industries like railways, energy, and aerospace. Over the decades, Cockerill Forges & Ringmill symbolized Belgian industrial excellence, adapting to technological changes and becoming a significant part of Liège’s economic foundation.

Transformation to Halo Steelrings

In recent years, the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill underwent a transformation, rebranding itself as Halo Steelrings. This evolution reflected a commitment to modernization and sustainability, embracing advanced ring-rolling technologies and optimizing production for industries like renewable energy and aerospace. As Halo Steelrings, the plant focused on reducing its environmental impact through better energy efficiency and waste reduction, ensuring it stayed competitive in a rapidly changing global market while continuing the proud tradition of quality steel manufacturing in Liège.

Closure of the Site

Despite its storied history and efforts to modernize, Halo Steelrings faced the challenges that have troubled much of Europe’s traditional steel industry. Rising costs, competition from global producers, and the push for greener technologies led to a decline in the plant’s economic viability. Ultimately, the decision was made to close the site, marking the end of an era for the iconic steel mill. The equipment was auctioned off. Nowadays, the empty factory stands as a reminder of what once was.

Close-up view of an abandoned control panel in the command room of the Halo Steelrings / Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The image features a panel filled with various buttons, switches, and a large red emergency stop button. In the background, a dirty window provides a partial view of the abandoned factory floor, with industrial structures barely visible through the glass. Dust and grime cover the surfaces, hinting at long-term disuse of the equipment.
A close-up view of a control panel at Halo Steelrings / Cockerill Forges & Ringmill, showcasing an array of buttons labeled in French, including an emergency stop button prominently displayed in red. The panel, situated next to a board with handwritten notes and a two-way radio, suggests an environment where communication and control were crucial. The background shows a partially visible, dirty factory window, providing a glimpse of the industrial area beyond.
A detailed view of the control room at Halo Steelrings / Cockerill Forges & Ringmill, showcasing dusty control consoles with numerous buttons and monitors. The large window provides a view into the abandoned factory floor, with dim lighting hinting at the machinery beyond. Chairs, scattered paperwork, and a bright orange safety jacket hanging over a seat add to the impression of the control room being suddenly deserted. The ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit and cluttered workstations suggest an industrial environment once full of activity.
A view of an operator cabin inside the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, surrounded by large industrial machinery. The cabin features large glass windows, through which control equipment is visible. Yellow safety barriers and old chains are scattered around the dusty concrete floor, and the high ceiling of the forge hall is lined with steel beams. Overhead lights create a dim, industrial atmosphere, giving the sense of a once-active heavy manufacturing environment now left to decay.
A dimly lit view of an operator cabin inside the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The cabin is illuminated from within, revealing scattered paperwork, a safety helmet, and control panels. Outside the cabin, industrial pipes, a ladder, and coiled hoses emphasize the once-busy nature of the workspace. The dark, heavy machinery in the foreground and the overall state of disrepair evoke the atmosphere of a factory that has been left untouched for years.
The interior of a control room at the abandoned Halo Steelrings / Cockerill Forges & Ringmill, featuring several old office chairs, dusty computer monitors, and cluttered desks. The room is separated from the factory floor by a large blue-tinted window, and the atmosphere suggests a space left hastily with items scattered around. Various papers, cabinets, and an air conditioning unit contribute to the sense of past functionality in an otherwise abandoned environment.
A central control console at the Halo Steelrings / Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, depicting a close-up of various switches, levers, and buttons used for managing industrial operations. The backdrop features a large, grimy window providing a view into the dim, deserted factory floor, with reflections of lights and machinery barely visible. The console is flanked by a chair and is accompanied by a telephone, indicating its former role as a pivotal command center for factory operations.
A view of the control room in the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, elevated above the workshop floor. The room, encased in large windows, is partially illuminated, revealing desks, paperwork, and safety gear. A blue door and yellow railing lead up to the entrance. The ceiling above features exposed beams, and a bright light fixture casts a glow across the scene, emphasizing the contrast between the illuminated interior and the dark, industrial surroundings below.
An expansive view of the workshop floor inside the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showing large industrial machines and a control room with illuminated windows. The workshop features a high ceiling supported by metal beams and skylights, allowing light to filter in. Heavy machinery lines the sides of the space, while scattered equipment, rail tracks, and puddles cover the dusty floor. The rust and decay indicate years of abandonment in this vast steel processing facility.
A view inside the abandoned Halo Steelrings / Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showcasing a long row of rusted industrial machinery. The large, mechanical structures, beams, and rails on the ground highlight the scale of former metalworking operations. The spacious factory floor is marked with grime and wear, with a brightly lit control room in the background. Overhead, the steel trusses and skylights bring some natural light into the otherwise dim and deteriorating interior.
Heavy Machinery in Abandoned Steel Mill
An open furnace in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showing exposed insulation and a rail track leading into its interior. The scene captures the vast factory floor, with numerous pieces of heavy industrial equipment and structural beams overhead. Yellow safety railings and platforms surround the area, and natural light filters in through the skylights above. The image highlights the expansive scale of the steel mill and the disused state of its once-operational machinery.
A close-up view inside an abandoned furnace at the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The interior is lined with rusted, insulated walls, and filled with numerous heavy steel molds resting on a grid-like platform. The molds, covered in rust and dust, are arranged neatly inside the furnace, which shows signs of wear and decay. The image highlights the immense heat-resisting materials of the furnace walls and the machinery that has remained untouched for years.
A wide view of the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showcasing an intricate network of industrial machinery, including large presses, metal tanks, and equipment marked by yellow railings. The floor is littered with debris, and yellow forklifts are visible, indicating the scale of past operations. The steel structure above, with beams and lights, provides a sense of the factory’s vastness. The dim lighting and layered machinery evoke the complexity and former productivity of the steel mill.
A wide view of the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showcasing an intricate network of industrial machinery, including large presses, metal tanks, and equipment marked by yellow railings. The floor is littered with debris, and yellow forklifts are visible, indicating the scale of past operations. The steel structure above, with beams and lights, provides a sense of the factory’s vastness. The dim lighting and layered machinery evoke the complexity and former productivity of the steel mill.
A view of the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory floor, with a large, open furnace and other industrial equipment visible. The scene shows the rusted and weathered state of the machinery, with a yellow safety barrier in the foreground. Overhead, an industrial crane system runs the length of the ceiling, and the expansive floor area is cluttered with grime and scattered remnants of past production. The high ceiling structure, crisscrossed with steel beams, conveys the vastness of the factory space.
A wide view of the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory floor featuring multiple large, open furnaces with exposed insulation. The scene is illuminated by overhead lights casting a warm glow, revealing the aged and rusted state of the heavy machinery. The expansive floor is marked with old rail tracks leading deeper into the mill, and an industrial vehicle is visible in the distance, adding to the atmosphere of decay and abandonment.
A close-up view of rusty conveyor chains and industrial machinery in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The scene features a complex system of chains, gears, and overhead equipment, with machinery labeled ‘REV.ASS’ visible in the background. The blue and yellow components are heavily corroded, showing signs of long-term neglect. The various pipes, safety railings, and control panels emphasize the heavy-duty industrial environment of the steel production facility.
A large metal ring sits on a yellow and blue conveyor system at the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The chain-driven conveyor is heavily rusted, indicating long-term disuse. Yellow safety railings and a blue partition wall can be seen in the background, alongside other industrial equipment. The machinery’s worn state, with grime and corrosion covering the components, reflects the overall abandoned condition of this once-functioning steel processing facility.
A close-up view of a large, rusted metal ring sitting on a chain conveyor system at the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The machinery, painted in yellow and blue, shows significant rust and wear, indicating years of disuse. The conveyor system is surrounded by yellow safety railings, and industrial control boxes and cables can be seen around the area. The scene highlights the heavy-duty nature of the steel processing operations once carried out here.
A close-up of industrial machinery at the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring a large blue and yellow machine with various control boxes and electrical components. The machine appears heavily worn, with rust and grime accumulated on the surfaces. The conveyor system in the foreground is part of the production line, while overhead steel beams and translucent roof panels filter blue-toned natural light into the scene, creating an industrial yet somber atmosphere.
A close-up view of a chain conveyor system in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, with overhead machinery labeled ‘REV.ASS’. The chains are rusty, and the surrounding machinery, painted in blue and yellow, shows signs of corrosion and neglect. The background reveals multiple platforms, control panels, and railings that were once part of an extensive steel processing operation. The industrial setting is characterized by its heavy-duty equipment and state of disrepair, conveying an atmosphere of abandonment.
A large metal ring sits on a chain conveyor in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The blue and yellow machinery around it is covered in dust and grime, indicating long-term disuse. Overhead, a blue mechanical arm labeled ‘REV.ASS’ is positioned above the machinery. The factory space is filled with yellow safety railings and industrial equipment, with light filtering through the high windows, highlighting the aged and rusted state of the facility.
An interior view of the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showcasing heavy industrial machinery and vibrant blue piping. The structure is surrounded by yellow railings, and safety signage is visible. The overhead ceiling is supported by steel beams, with lights casting a warm orange glow across the space. A red utility vehicle is parked nearby, and the scene conveys the industrial complexity and the current state of abandonment of this steel processing facility.
A view down a hallway in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showing industrial piping and machinery in the background. The scene is framed by walls of exposed brick and metal, with a sign in French that reads ‘Toujours Prêt à M’améliorer,’ which translates to ‘Always Ready to Improve.’ Overhead, a large crane marked ‘PONT 31 - 5 T’ spans the ceiling, while a fire extinguisher and various utility equipment are seen on the floor, emphasizing the aged and functional atmosphere of the former steel mill.
A large industrial furnace surrounded by a complex network of piping and metalwork in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The machinery is framed by yellow railings and platforms, with heavy pipes running across the structure, indicating the scale of the steel processing operations. Rust and grime cover much of the equipment, while dim lighting illuminates the scene, creating a stark industrial atmosphere. The open space and exposed steel beams above add to the vastness of the facility.
A view down an industrial hallway in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The scene features pipes, yellow machinery, and control systems lining the wall. In the middle, a metallic jacket hangs from an open cabinet, giving a sense of abandonment. Fire extinguishers and a hydraulic lift labeled ‘CMU 3000KG’ are scattered throughout the area. The dim lighting and exposed metal structures create a gritty industrial atmosphere, emphasizing the unused state of the equipment.
A view of a heavy metal conveyor system in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, surrounded by hydraulic machinery and pipes. The conveyor is covered in dust and rusted metal components, indicating years of neglect. Yellow railings and platforms are visible, as well as various blue and yellow machinery parts, showing the once intricate process flow of the steel mill. The overhead ceiling features steel beams and industrial lighting, adding to the complex and rugged atmosphere of the mill.
A close-up view of a large hydraulic press and conveyor system inside the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. Massive hydraulic cylinders dominate the foreground, with cables and pipes running along their length. The background reveals part of a furnace opening and various metal frameworks covered in rust and grime, indicating the years of disuse. Control panels and industrial equipment are scattered around, capturing the heavy-duty machinery and complex workings of the steel mill.
An abandoned industrial processing area inside the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring a collection of large machinery including metal tanks, pipes, and control panels. The factory floor is cluttered, with a yellow safety barrier and a red utility vehicle in view. Overhead, steel beams support a roof with partially broken skylights, letting in light that highlights the industrial decay. The puddles of water and rust-stained surfaces indicate long-term abandonment of this once-busy space.
A view of a massive industrial furnace at the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, surrounded by steel beams and heavy machinery. The rusted structure is highlighted by warm, orange lighting, and stairs lead up to a platform for maintenance access. Overhead, large beams and supporting structures dominate the high ceiling, and a yellow glow from the lights adds to the industrial atmosphere. The scene captures the sheer scale and complexity of the furnace, now idle in the abandoned steel mill.
A close-up view of large, yellow industrial clamp machinery at the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The machinery, with hydraulic components and multiple moving parts, sits idle in the abandoned forge. Nearby are rows of metal beams, and the background reveals the high-ceilinged interior of the factory, with structural metal beams and overhead cranes. The yellow paint is worn, indicating extensive past use, and the overall scene conveys a sense of heavy industry left behind.
A hydraulic press unit sits abandoned in the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, painted in blue and surrounded by other industrial structures. The press is positioned near a small control office building with a window, and yellow safety barriers mark off different work zones. The ceiling above is a steel frame structure with skylights, adding to the worn-out industrial ambiance of the workshop. The floor is covered in grime, reflecting years of disuse in this deserted industrial setting.
A view down an old rail track running through the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, leading to a platform with a heavy cart holding industrial components. The scene is illuminated by dim, orange overhead lights that cast a warm glow across the space. Metal frames, barriers, and shelving units are visible along the sides, with a high ceiling supported by structural beams. The large windows in the background allow light to filter in, revealing the expansive, empty interior of the factory.
An interior view of the abandoned Halo Steelrings / Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring various large industrial machines and equipment scattered across the factory floor. The machinery is painted in bright colors like green and yellow, indicating different functions. Overhead, a massive crane is mounted on beams. The high ceiling is lined with corrugated metal sheets, and sunlight filters through gaps, illuminating the spacious and dusty environment.
A close-up view of a touchscreen control panel in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The Siemens SIMATIC Multi Panel display shows a complex system diagram, while below, there are colored buttons labeled ‘Test lampes’ and ‘Reset.’ Nearby, there is a note with a phone number labeled ‘Électricien de garde’ for emergency assistance. The area is surrounded by wiring and conduits, and the wall shows signs of wear and grime, indicating the age and neglect of the facility.
A narrow hydraulic control room in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring complex blue machinery, rusted tanks, and a maze of pipes running along the walls. The floor is flooded, and grime covers the equipment, reflecting a state of disrepair. A red fire extinguisher and pressure gauges can be seen on the wall, indicating the once-critical nature of the operations here. The dim lighting and wet surfaces create a gloomy atmosphere within this forgotten industrial space.
A flooded control room in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, with large red valves and control machinery. Water covers the concrete floor, reflecting the overhead fluorescent lights, while various pipes and control panels line the walls. The room is narrow, with industrial equipment showing signs of corrosion and disuse. A heavy metal door and a yellow safety railing add to the industrial feel of this damp, forgotten section of the facility.
A flooded basement control room in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, with control panels, fire extinguishers, and industrial piping lining the concrete walls. The floor is covered in standing water, reflecting the fluorescent lights above and creating a damp, decaying atmosphere. Electrical panels and warning signage are visible, indicating the room’s previous function as an operational area for monitoring factory systems. The entrance door is slightly open, revealing an industrial setting beyond.
An abandoned workbench inside the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring a blue pegboard with tools, various storage bins, and rusted chains. Yellow metal bins labeled ‘Bois’ and other containers are scattered around, suggesting an organized workspace that has since been left to decay. The fluorescent light above the workbench casts a dim glow on the aged and worn equipment, with rust and grime covering the surfaces, highlighting the state of disuse
An interior view of a mechanical control room in the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, showcasing a maze of corroded pipes and rusty machinery. The walls are lined with multicolored pipes, valves, and old hydraulic systems. The machinery is covered in grime, reflecting the long-term neglect of the facility. Dim lighting creates shadows across the scene, while a red fire extinguisher hangs on the wall, contrasting against the dark, worn surroundings of this industrial space.
A close-up view of a conveyor system and a control panel at the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The machine, labeled ‘S6,’ includes a touchscreen interface, various buttons, and warning labels. Next to it, a computer terminal with a display monitor is protected by a metal cover, suggesting its use in managing the conveyor process. The scene depicts an abandoned industrial setup, with a brush left on the rollers and visible signs of grime and wear throughout the area.
A close-up view of a large cylindrical metal rod positioned in a cutting machine at the abandoned Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory. The orange and black heavy-duty equipment surrounds the metal piece, which has markings written on its surface. The conveyor mechanism leading to the machine and safety symbols are visible, indicating the industrial nature of the process. The scene captures a moment frozen in time in a disused steel production environment.
An expansive view of an abandoned workshop inside Cockerill Forges & Ringmill, featuring a variety of heavy machinery and industrial equipment. The machines are painted in bright colors such as green, yellow, and black, and are accompanied by rusting metal bins scattered across the floor. A yellow overhead crane system is visible in the background, suspended from the ceiling, and the workshop space appears vast and empty, with signs of disuse and grime covering surfaces.
A wide view of an abandoned industrial workshop at Cockerill Forges & Ringmill, showcasing machinery, a forklift, and an overhead crane system. The space is filled with various pieces of equipment, including a large green cutting machine and several orange bins. A yellow barrier and a ‘Passage Obligatoire’ sign indicate organized work zones. The walls are lined with metal frames and walkways, while overhead cranes extend across the ceiling, providing a sense of scale and complexity of this former manufacturing hub.
A view of an abandoned manufacturing station in the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring large white and gray industrial machinery marked ‘S4.’ A yellow bin is positioned next to the machine, and a table with scattered papers and two chairs sits in the foreground, suggesting a hastily abandoned workspace. Overhead, a bright yellow crane and a metal walkway are visible, adding to the industrial atmosphere of the high-ceilinged workshop.
An abandoned control room in the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring a desk with a computer, binders, and scattered paperwork. The room has a large window looking out onto the factory floor, giving a view of the yellow industrial railings and machinery outside. Control panels with numerous switches are mounted against the wall, suggesting the operational role of the room in managing factory processes. Dust and disorganization highlight the long-neglected state of this workspace.
An abandoned control room at the Cockerill Forges & Ringmill factory, featuring a desk with a computer, printer, and control switches. The workspace includes a chair and various items left behind, like a safety helmet and a red cup. The large window provides a view into the adjacent factory floor, showing large industrial machinery and yellow railings. The overall atmosphere is one of disuse and abandonment, with a dusty desk and dim lighting.