ABB and Shagang Renew Partnership to Upgrade High-End Wire Rod Manufacturing
Time:2026-04-17 Browse: 3
ABB has announced a new cooperation agreement with Zhangjiagang Rongsheng Special Steel Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shagang Group, to jointly implement an upgrade project for its bar and wire rod mill aimed at enhancing high-end wire rod production capabilities.
The project focuses on production structure optimization and the manufacturing of multi-grade, high value-added wire rod products, supporting Shagang’s continued transition toward higher-quality and more diversified steel output.
Project Scope: High-End Wire Rod Mill Upgrade
The modernization project targets the bar and wire rod mill, enabling stable production of a broader range of specialty steels, including:
Medium carbon steel
High carbon steel
Tire cord steel
Alloy welding wire steel
Spring steel
After completion, the upgraded facility is expected to significantly strengthen Shagang’s capability to serve high-end manufacturing and niche industrial applications.
Shagang Group, located in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, operates a fully integrated steel production chain covering sintering, ironmaking, steelmaking, and both hot and cold rolling processes. Its products are widely used in infrastructure, heavy equipment, and emerging industries.
ABB Integrated Automation and Electrical Solution
As part of the upgrade, ABB will deliver a complete electrical and automation solution for the rolling line, including:
Transformers
Medium-voltage drives and synchronous motors
Low-voltage drives and induction motors
Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems
Industrial sensors
The solution integrates multiple advanced control technologies, including:
PTC timing control
Direct Torque Control (DTC)
High-precision flying shear control
Spinner head positioning control
These technologies will be combined with ABB’s steel industry digital and intelligent manufacturing solutions to ensure stable rolling performance and consistent product quality.
The line is designed to achieve a maximum production speed of up to 120 m/s.
Efficiency, Compatibility, and Energy Optimization
A key feature of the project is its compatibility with existing production lines at Shagang’s wire rod facility. Standardized automation and drive components are adopted to improve spare parts commonality, helping to reduce long-term maintenance costs.
In addition, the use of high-efficiency motors and drive systems is expected to:
Increase production capacity
Reduce overall energy consumption
Improve operational efficiency
Long-Term Strategic Cooperation
The partnership between ABB and Shagang dates back to 1999. Over the past two decades, the two companies have jointly built more than ten high-speed wire rod production lines, many of which continue to operate reliably.
Through years of collaboration, both parties have established a mature framework for engineering communication and lifecycle service support.
The current project is scheduled for commissioning in January 2027. ABB will deploy experienced engineering and project management teams to support the entire lifecycle, including design optimization, installation, commissioning, and startup.
Industry Significance
This project further strengthens Shagang’s position in the high-end wire rod segment and supports its transformation toward advanced manufacturing capabilities aligned with international standards.
For ABB, the collaboration reinforces its leadership in integrated automation and electrification solutions for the global steel industry, particularly in high-speed rolling mill applications.
