Various aspects of the modernization of the hot strip mill at Salzgitter were discussed. The objectives of the complete automation of the mill included the enhancement of the overall production capacity, including steel making and casting, and capability to process an increased share of high strength steel. The process was carried out in two phases where the first stage included adding a sizing press, a measuring house below the roller table and new side gages. The second stage of the modernization included the dismantling of the existing rougher and edger, installation of the new horizontal 4-high roughing mill, and the installation and commissioning of SMSDemag's automation system X-Pact featuring level1 and Level2 control.