Germany-based plantmaker SMS Group has announced that it will modernize the 16-inch tube welding line of Atlas Tube, located in Blytheville, Arkansas - a subsidiary of US-based steel pipe manufacturer Zekelman Industries.
SMS stated that the line is now going to be equipped with a completely new sizing section to expand the product spectrum and improve productivity. Once the upgrading measures have been completed, the line will be able to roll structurals (round tubes with outside diameters up to 18 inches) as well as square and rectangular hollow sections. Hollow section sizes will range from 14 inches x 14 inches for square hollow sections to up to 18 inches x 10 inches for rectangular hollow sections. The maximum wall thickness will be 17.3 millimeters.