AM/NS India commissions state-of-the-art Continuous Galvanising Line (CGL), first in India to produce highest strength steel for automotive sector
• New facility engineered
to manufacture world-class specialised, high-grade steel for automotive
applications, with strength levels up to 1180 MPa; to substitute imports
• Modern unit part of the
company’s ambitious ₹ 60,000-crore expansion project, inaugurated by Hon'ble
Prime Minister
• Matching quality
standards of developed nations, indigenously made products to meet both the
current and future requirements of ‘New India’
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel
India (AM/NS India) today announced the commissioning of a new,
state-of-the-art Continuous Galvanising Line (CGL) at its flagship plant in
Hazira, Gujarat. This development establishes AM/NS India as the only company
in India with a modern CGL line capable of producing Advanced High-Strength
Steel (AHSS) with strength levels up to 1180 megapascals (MPa) – essential for
exceptional safety, durability, and sustainability for evolving automotive
applications.
This commissioning also
marks a significant move for the company, which has been strategically implementing
an ambitious ₹ 60,000-crore expansion project to develop upstream, downstream,
and other enabling facilities. Inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in 2022, the expansion project at the integrated steel plant aims
at scaling up production capacity across a diverse portfolio of steel grades to
meet evolving demands.
The new CGL is equipped
with cutting-edge technology derived from the deep global expertise of its
parent companies, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, and is set to bring a paradigm
shift to the automotive sector, which has been largely reliant on imports for
high-grade, specialised steel. It will manufacture Galvanised (GI) and
Galvannealed (GA) coated flat steels, including ArcelorMittal as well as Nippon
Steel’s licensed products. These innovative offerings will provide excellent
recyclability, high-formability, fuel efficiency through lightweighting, and
enhanced safety – key requirements for modern mobility solutions, especially
with India's Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Phase III norms coming
into effect in April 2027.
Mr.
Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS
India), said, "The commissioning of the first-of-its-kind
Continuous Galvanising Line marks another defining moment in our expansion
project, inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. This
ambitious project’s efforts are now coming to fruition, and we can proudly say
that the new line and upcoming facilities are designed to produce steel that matches
the quality of offerings currently available in developed nations. We are
committed to providing the best-in-class products that the country needs as it
progresses towards a ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ vision.”
Mr
Oommen added, “With the constant support from our parent
companies, we have set new benchmarks and further strengthened our ability to
deliver world-class products, including the highest-strength steel ever
produced in India to meet the evolving needs of the automotive sector.
Indigenous production from this unique line will contribute meaningfully
towards the country’s self-reliance goal.”
The latest galvanising unit
represents a significant leap in the company’s downstream capabilities to
expand value-added products’ portfolio. The CGL will not only strengthen AM/NS
India’s contribution to ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives
but also play a key role in enabling India’s transition to next-generation
steel, sustainably. By offering import substitute products, the company is striving
to bridge the much-needed gap between domestic demand and high-end steel
availability, thus enhancing India’s competitiveness globally. This also aligns
with the government's efforts to encourage domestic production of value-added
steel by creating downstream capacities through various initiatives, including
the PLI scheme.
Featuring modern
environmental technologies, the facility has the ability to considerably reduce
CO₂ emissions intensity compared to conventional CGLs, underpinned by
innovative waste heat recovery, advanced thermal energy control, regenerative
electrical drives, and the use of electrolytic H2, among others. This will
support AM/NS India’s adherence to the Green Steel Taxonomy and broader
sustainability goals.
The expansion project is
progressing well to scale up the company’s production capacity from the current
9 MTPA to 15 MTPA, with a goal of reaching 24 MTPA at its Hazira plant. This
includes both upstream and downstream steelmaking capabilities.
Separately, the company
will set up an integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh where it has already
commenced the land acquisition process. Plans are also on track to set up
integrated steel plants in Odisha, where the company has a significant
presence.
In parallel, the company has sharpened its focus on accelerating the decarbonisation of steelmaking. It is integrating renewables into its energy mix, deploying energy-efficient technologies, and exploring a range of low-carbon pathways in alignment with India’s climate goals.