Primetals Technologies and Inovance Strengthen Collaboration with Integrated PLTCM Drive Solutions

• Partnership expands from reversing cold mills to full PLTCM applications
• Primetals Technologies EnerX medium- and low-voltage drives enable comprehensive line solutions
• Joint solution combines process expertise with advanced drive technology
• Optimized performance, reliability, and investment efficiency

Primetals Technologies has secured an order for automation systems and medium- and low-voltage drives for a 6-stand pickling line and tandem cold mill (PLTCM) in China. This is the first PLTCM project for the new EnerX converter family.

A Chinese steel producer is building a new high-speed, 6-stand PLTCM to advance production with a digitally driven, fully automated, and high-precision line. The startup is planned for May 2027.

Primetals Technologies’ project scope includes complete Level 1 (basic) and Level 2 (process) automation systems as well as the EnerX medium- and low-voltage drives. The process optimization system will be supported by self-learning algorithms based on neural networks to ensure stable and continuous production, enabling steady rolling with high reduction rates and strong thin-gauge rolling capability.

With state-of-the-art solutions for thickness control and flatness optimization, the line will deliver superior control accuracy, with high-precision control of strip thickness and flatness.

Primetals Technologies will equip the mill with the new EnerX medium-voltage drives and low-voltage auxiliary drives, as part of a new collaboration with leading Chinese industrial automation provider Inovance. The Primetals Technologies MV and LV drives are integrated with PLTCM process know-how to improve rolling performance. They ensure stable production and increase productivity while maintaining consistent product quality. Precise speed and tension control enables tight thickness and flatness tolerances, as well as high surface quality.

The EnerX drives have already been successfully implemented at Jingjiang Yongjin Metal Technology’s reversing cold mill in Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province. Primetals Technologies received the final acceptance certificate (FAC) for that project in late 2025.

Primetals Technologies and Inovance continue to strengthen their collaboration in drives and automation solutions for the metals industry. Building on their proven success in reversing cold mill applications, the partnership has now expanded to integrated solutions for PLTCM systems, covering both medium- and low-voltage drives.

Looking ahead, both companies aim to further deepen their cooperation by developing more integrated, efficient, and innovative solutions for the metals sector. This partnership is expected to support steel producers in achieving higher productivity, enhanced digitalization, and more sustainable operations.

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.

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