Vallourec Düsseldorf-Rath

Today, we venture inside the former Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf, uncovering its rich history and industrial legacy.

January 5, 2025
Close-up of the abandoned machinery and conveyor systems inside the Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, with industrial decay and a weathered overhead crane under the vaulted roof.

The former Vallourec site in Düsseldorf, Germany, produced seamless steel tubes primarily for the oil and gas sector. Located in the Rath district, the plant was established in 1899 as part of Mannesmannröhren-Werke. Vallourec acquired the facility in 2005, integrating it into its global operations.

In May 2022, Vallourec announced the closure of its German operations due to accumulated losses and intense competition. This decision included shutting down the Düsseldorf-Rath and Mülheim an der Ruhr plants, impacting 2,400 employees. Pipe production at Düsseldorf-Rath ended on September 21, 2023, marking Vallourec’s exit from German manufacturing.

In December 2024, Vallourec agreed to sell most of the Düsseldorf-Rath site to CTP for €155 million. This transaction involves 900,000 square meters of property and is expected to close by late 2024, pending conditions. The sale is part of Vallourec’s “New Vallourec” strategy, focusing on core premium markets. The closure ends over a century of steel tube production at this historic site.

Extensive machinery and conveyor systems inside the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, with overhead walkways and industrial decay under a high vaulted roof.
Detailed view of heavy industrial machinery in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, with yellow safety railings and a high vaulted roof illuminated by factory lights.
Industrial processing machinery in the Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, surrounded by yellow railings and conveyor systems under a high arched roof.
Close-up of a massive industrial roller machine in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, framed by yellow railings and surrounded by signs of rust and decay.
Industrial workshop in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring a yellow excavator, scattered debris, and rows of orange machinery under a high arched roof.
Industrial setup in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring a bright blue operator cabin, yellow safety railings, and an overhead TAKRAF crane in a vast manufacturing hall.
Production floor of the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, with industrial machinery, steel tracks, and overhead cranes, encapsulating the legacy of steel tube manufacturing.
Detailed view of conveyor systems and machinery in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring green and orange industrial components under a skylit arched ceiling.
Wide-angle view of the production floor in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring green conveyor structures, red storage cabinets, and industrial walkways under a vaulted roof.
Abandoned steel production area at the Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring steel tubes on support beams and a backdrop of industrial railings and machinery.”
Expansive production line in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring green machinery, yellow railings, and a high arched ceiling illuminated by skylights.
Long corridor in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring green machinery panels, bright orange control boxes, and exposed pipes along the walls and ceiling.
Industrial basement room in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring green machinery, gas cylinders, and exposed pipes and chains under fluorescent lighting.
Corridor in the Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, with exposed green and metallic pipes, industrial cables, and warning signs on a distant door.
Underground mechanical room in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring rusted pipes, vibrant machinery, and exposed wiring illuminated by fluorescent lights.
Detail of a control station and machinery in the Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, with bright orange and yellow equipment showing signs of wear and industrial decay.
Interior of the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring rusted industrial beams, cracked flooring, and decayed walls, showcasing the remnants of steel tube manufacturing.
Control room in the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, with dusty computer monitors, swivel chairs, and glass windows overlooking the industrial floor, evoking the end of an era in steel manufacturing.”
Control room of the abandoned Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, featuring a vintage control panel, monitors, and signs of industrial decline, providing a glimpse into the operational past of this steel tube manufacturing facility.
Interior of the Vallourec steel mill in Düsseldorf-Rath, showcasing a variety of rusted industrial rollers, machinery, and metal components under a dimly lit, expansive factory roof.