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Miniature wire rolling mill - Programming just like in a real production facility

20 October 2026 | 

How do you learn to program a modern industrial plant without halting production? At voestalpine Wire Rod Austria, apprentices do just that: on a mini-scale wire rolling mill they developed themselves.

The simulation system, measuring approximately 1 x 1 meter, faithfully replicates the actual wire rolling mill in St. Peter/Freienstein. From the beam furnace to the rolling mill to the high-bay warehouse, our apprentices can understand processes, test control systems, and develop programs - just as they would on the real plant.

In this way, aspiring mechatronics engineers and electrical engineers gain valuable hands-on experience in the fields of automation and Industry 4.0 even during their training. Making mistakes, experimenting, and learning from them is expressly encouraged here.

Simon R., Lehrling Mechatronik / Schwerpunkt Automatisierungstechnik

Learning through practice

What makes this special is that the mini rolling mill was developed and built jointly by apprentices, instructors, and plant electricians. In the process, the young professionals were able to not only expand their technical know-how but also gain important experience in teamwork.

While building the mini rolling mill, all of us apprentices worked together actively and communicated a lot. It was a lot of fun.

Simon R., Mechatronics Apprentice / Specializing in Automation Technology

More than just an apprenticeship - Experience technology, shape the future

With projects like the mini rolling mill, voestalpine Wire Rod Austria is making targeted investments in training the skilled workers of tomorrow. After all, the best way to understand modern technology is to try it out for yourself.

Christian Saiger

The mini rolling mill is an example of how training is put into practice at voestalpine Wire Technology: hands-on, innovative, and with plenty of room to experiment. This allows apprentices to continuously expand their technical know-how and take on responsibility step by step.

says Christian Saiger, Human Resources - Apprentices, voestalpine Wire Rod Austria

Are you interested in technology, automation, or programming? Then discover your opportunities for apprentices at voestalpine Wire Technology.

Careers with an Apprenticeship [DE]