The recent inauguration of a new hot rolling mill in Chongqing, China, marks a significant development for Chinalco Southwest Aluminum Co., Ltd. (SWA) and the wider industrial construction sector. Under the leadership of Li Yong, Chairman of Southwest Aluminum, alongside Peter Langner, CEO of SMS China, and Michael Schäfer, EVP Flat Products of SMS Group GmbH, this event signifies a strategic advancement in aluminum processing capabilities.
SWA has formalized a contract with SMS Group for the delivery of a 1+4 aluminum hot-strip mill, which will be a cornerstone of their new facility adjacent to their current operations. This investment is designed to enhance SWA’s position in the competitive global metals market by establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing footprint.
The new rolling mill will incorporate advanced technology, including a rugged roughing mill, an edger mill, and a four-stand finishing mill equipped with CVC plus (continuously variable crown) technology. This setup is essential for achieving superior strip quality. Additional features of the project include heavy and light crop shears, a coiling section, transportation systems for coils, and efficient fluid systems, all engineered to process 39-ton ingots.
Looking forward to 2028, the high-performance hot rolling mill is projected to produce 770,000 tons of premium aluminum hot strip. This capacity expansion will allow SWA to offer a diverse array of products tailored for critical markets including packaging, automotive, and aviation.
- This investment represents a significant opportunity for contractors and engineers by advancing industry standards in hot rolling mill technology.
- The integration of high-end equipment enhances the capabilities for producing quality aluminum products, directly benefiting operational efficiency.
- Long-term collaboration with SMS Group indicates a commitment to sustainable innovations, encouraging contractors to embrace advanced techniques in their own projects.
In summary, this development illustrates a forward-thinking approach to aluminum production, emphasizing the importance of reliable partnerships and cutting-edge technology in achieving market success.
Source: https://www.aluminium-journal.com/sms-to-deliver-aluminium-hot-rolling-mill-to-chinalco
