On June 28, South Korea-based steelmaker Hyundai Steel placed an order with German plantmaker SMS Siemag for the construction of a new 4.3 m heavy plate mill in Dangjin, South Korea.
The order comprises the supply of the mechanical equipment and the X-Pact® automation system. After the 5 m mill, which went on stream at the end of 2009, this is the second heavy plate mill which SMS Siemag will supply to Hyundai Steel.
The 4.3 m mill is designed for an annual production of 1.5 million mt of heavy plate in thicknesses of 6 m to 200 mm and in widths of up to 4,100 mm. The product range covers mainly plates for shipbuilding and the construction industry. Commissioning of the plant is scheduled for the middle of 2013.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Steel has also awarded SMS Siemag a contract for the expansion of the 5 m heavy plate mill supplied in 2009. By expanding the mill, Hyundai Steel can increase its production from 1.5 million mt to 2.0 million mt per year and enhance its product range. The upgrade will take place in several stages in 2013.
With these investments, Hyundai Steel will increase its heavy plate capacity in Dangjin to a total of 3.5 million mt per year.