In a statement, Primetals Technologies said the project took 17 months, from contract signing to start-up, and was brought in three weeks ahead of schedule. The first coil was rolled on 6 April, Primetals Technologies said.  

The cast-roll line, which is part of a new integrated iron and steel works in the Hebei province, is designed to produce high-quality, ultrathin, hot-rolled strip in widths of up to 1,600 mm and in gauges as thin as 0.7 mm. Carbon steels; high-strength, low-alloy grades; and dual-phase steels will be produced.

Primetals Technologies engineered the line and supplied the mechanical equipment, media control systems, technological packages and automation systems. The entire line is controlled by a completely integrated level 1 and level 2 automation system, which fully controls all casting and rolling operations, Primetals Technologies said. 

“Even under pandemic conditions, professional collaboration of the customer’s project team and Primetals Technologies ensured a smooth project execution,” the company said.