London, May 26, 2020

Primetals Technologies sells three high-speed wire rod mills to Chinese customer

• Greater productivity for smaller products
• Improved thermo-mechanical rolling capability
• Mid- to late 2020 start-up expected

To consolidate its market position by upgrading its existing production capacity, a customer in the People’s Republic of China has signed a contract with Primetals Technologies for three high-speed wire rod mills in the northern region. The new mills improved thermo-mechanical rolling capabilities will complement additional mills moving into the company’s main production base. Start-up is expected in mid- to late 2020.

The scope of supply for the single-strand high-speed wire rod mills will include three Morgan Vee Mini-Blocks as mini-finishing mills (MFM) with three sets of Morgan Intelligent Pinch Rolls and high speed laying heads, hydraulic systems, and oil lube systems. Two mills will have a two-stand 230 MFM and the third will have a two-stand 250 MFM. Primetals Technologies will also supply air/oil systems for a snap shear and rollerized turndown.

Each of the three mills will have an annual production capacity of 720,000 tons and a maximum operating speed of 115 meters per second, with a maximum rolling rate of 150 tons per hour. The mills will produce rod ranging from 5.5 to 20 mm and 20 to 28 mm in diameter, rebar of 6 to 16 mm in diameter, and coil with an inner diameter of 850 mm and an outer diameter of 1,250 mm.

The customer, which preferred not to be named, is one of the largest raw material suppliers for fasteners in northern China. It also produces welding wire and carbon structural grades.

Morgan Vee Mini-Block in operation

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.