In November 2000, UGINE&ALZ Genk awarded VAI a contract to upgrade their steelmaking plant. The scope of work included the world's largest stainless steel slab caster designed for an annual output of 1.2 million tons. The existing casting machine had to be replaced within a comprehensive shut-down period of 21 days only to minimize the financial burden due to the production outage. Innovative project management solutions combined with excellent realization resulted in a successful start-up on October 1, 2002, after a shutdown period of only 20 days. Operational results with regard to productivity and quality are discussed.