German plantmaker SMS Meer has announced that it will upgrade the high-speed rebar rolling mill of Russia-based Abinsk Electric Steel Works. The new equipment will enable the steelmaker to roll larger square billets than before, enhancing the company's competitiveness in the domestic market.
So far Abinsk has fed its rolling mill with 130 mm square billets purchased from other suppliers. The two new roughing stands from SMS Meer will extend the range to 150 mm square billets which will be produced in Abinsk's own new steel plant. Abinsk intends to also increase its production volumes and extend its product range.
Furthermore, the two new stands scheduled to be commissioned in April 2013 will increase the rolling mill's productivity by two to three percent for 8-10 mm rebars. The rebar rolling mill currently produces 550,000 mt of rebar per year.