London, February 06, 2015

Primetals Technologies revamps two wire-rod mills for China’s Zenith Steel

• Upgrade increases rolling speed to 105 m/s
• Expanded product line allows entry into fine grain rebar markets
• Integrated solution includes electrical/automation revamp

Zenith Steel (Changzhou Zhongtian Iron & Steel) in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, has signed a contract with Primetals Technologies to revamp two wire-rod outlets located in Changzhou. New equipment will allow thermomechanical rolling to produce fine grain rebar at a significantly reduced cost. The wire-rod mills will operate at a speed of 105 m/s. Commissioning is planned for early 2016.

Included in the scope of supply are mini-finishing blocks, a Morgan Intelligent Pinch Roll and new laying head. After the new equipment’s installation, the revamped mills for this privately owned, midsized steelmaker will be able to roll on the same outlet rebar ranging in diameter from 6.0 mm to 16 mm, and rod sizes from 5.5. mm to 20 mm. In addition, Primetals Technologies is providing an integrated solution with electric and automation upgrades for the mills.

Delivery is expected in third quarter 2015 for both rod outlets with commissioning by early 2016. The contract includes site supervision and services during the installation. At Zenith Steel, a continuous bloom caster from Primetals Technologies has been in operation since July 2013.

A pinch roll and laying head at Zenith Steel. Primetals Technologies revamps two wire-rod mills for Zenith Steel in Changzhou, China.

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in Frimley, Camberley, United Kingdom, is a worldwide leading engineering, plant-building and lifecycle partner for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product and service portfolio that includes the integrated electrics, automation and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain that extends from the raw materials to the finished product – in addition to the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Siemens. Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery (MHMM) - an MHI consolidated group company with equity participation by Hitachi, Ltd. and IHI Corporation - holds a 51% stake and Siemens a 49% stake in the company. The company employs around 9,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.primetals.com.