Because many companies already have a 100% continuous casting ratio, further capacity increase is possible only by extensive revamping of existing machines or new investment. However, because of area restrictions expansion is difficult or sometimes impossible. It may not be easy to install additional casters without having the disadvantage of long steel transport distances from the existing steel plant to the new continuous casting machines. The compact caster concept described in this paper is designed to enable steelmakers to increase production without this disadvantage.