Increasing worldwide demand for steel products requires permanent improvements in all different areas in the steel production process. Within this thesis the increase of capacity and productivity of an integrated steel mill by improving parts of its processes is discussed. In order to meet these targets, a series of structural changes and improvements of process is essential. The task is to raise effectiveness and maintain high product quality. After preliminary field trials carried out by the partner company and performing productivity studies within this thesis, an integrated steel mill was assisted in the decision to implement a novel converter taphole changing system. Implementation, influences on process, availability, quality and maintenance are discussed. Further more a description of the productivity and profitability enhancement is carried out.