The company said the PLTCM has added to its automotive manufacturing capabilities and will be used to produce cold-rolled base steel to be used in products such as patented steel solutions from ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel. 

“The inauguration of the pickling line and tandem cold mill (PLTCM) marks an important milestone in this journey, creating the foundation for manufacturing high-quality, high-grade automotive steels domestically. This will support import substitution, enhance supply chain resilience, and enable the automotive industry’s transition towards safer, lighter, and more sustainable mobility solutions,” said Dilip Oommen, chief executive officer of AM/NS India. 

The facility supports the manufacturing of automotive steel for advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), galvannealed, galvanized and press-hardened steel applications. They all meet global sustainability standards, enable vehicle lightweighting and enhance safety in line with Bharat NCAP norms, the company said. 

The company said the line will also strengthen its downstream capabilities, aligning them with global benchmarks and allowing for AHSS with strength levels up to 1,180 MPa. It has an estimated capacity of 2 million metric tons annually. 

“Japanese advanced technology has contributed significantly to the launch of high-end steel product manufacturing in India. This signifies that Japan’s contribution to the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative has entered a new phase. Japan and India share a mutually complementary relationship, where Japan’s technology and capital are complemented by India’s manufacturing capacity and growing demand,” said Ono after touring the plant. 

The PLTCM is part of the company’s ongoing ₹60,000 crore expansion project.