Iron production at Hayange was established by the De Wendel family as the Usine Saint Jacques circa 1892 and rail manufacturing has taken place since 1897.
During the late 20th century, the Hayange works became a part of the French steel maker Usinor-Sacilor's long products division.
In August 2020, the British-based company Liberty Steel acquired the Hayange plant; one year later, it was again sold to Germany's SHS Group and renamed to Saarstahl Rail.
The iron industry at the Sogerail site in Nilvange/Knutange near Hayange (Moselle department, Lorraine, France) dates to circa 1892 with the establishment of the Usine Saint Jacques by the de Wendels.
[3] In 1964, the steelworker Raymond Satnbach patented the universal rail rolling system following its development in St Jacques.
In April 2016, the long products division of Tata Steel Europe, including the Hayange plant, was sold to Greybull Capital for a nominal amount.
[14] During the late 2010s, amid rumours of job cuts being planned, the French government issued a declaration that the Hayange works was considered to be a strategic national asset.