ABB will electrify and automate ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel India’s new, cold-rolling mill

ABB reported June 28 that it’s been selected to provide electrification and automation systems for ArcelorMittal/Nippon Steel India’s (AM/NS India) advanced-steel, cold-rolling mill (CRM) in Hazira, Gujarat. The contract at the flagship manufacturing plant comes through John Cockerill India Ltd. (JCIL), the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the project.

AM/NS India is a joint venture by two of the world’s leading steel companies, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel. It’s setting up the new CRM as part of its downstream expansion plan. The new CRM with advanced processing lines is due to be commissioned in 2024.

A leading integrated flat carbon steel producer in India, AM/NS India has a crude steel capacity of 9 million metric tons per annum with state-of-the-art downstream facilities. It produces a fully diversified range of flat steel products, including value-added steel, and has a pellet capacity of 20 million metric tons.

ABB is providing advanced electrification and automation systems, including the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) and associated equipment and components. They’ll support enhanced energy efficiency, optimized zinc consumption and high levels of corrosion resistance throughout the steel production process. This will support AM/NS India in its bid to reach greater levels of sustainability at Hazira.

“Our goal is to help create smarter steels for brighter futures, brighter futures for people and the planet. To do this, we place safety, innovation, and technology at the heart of our manufacturing operations and product development and ABB’s technology will support us in this,” says Dilip Oommen, CEO at AM/NS India. “The new processing lines are designed to produce new-age, value-added steel, embedding the most demanding quality standards. This expansion will help us meet the growing demand for high-end steel, while also enhancing our portfolio of value-added, sustainable steel.”

Frédéric Midy, project director at JCIL, adds, “We’re proud to be chosen by such a first-class steelmaker to supply of two highly automated processing lines, combining cutting-edge equipment with integrated quality control and enhanced energy efficiency. The fight against climate change is part of John Cockerill’s mission. This new contract will not only enable us to accompany AM/NS India on its journey towards sustainability but will also contribute to the country’s low-carbon economy ambitions.”