ABB and Shagang Group’s Zhangjiagang Rongsheng Special Steel Co., Ltd. have entered a new cooperation agreement to jointly implement a high-end wire rod upgrading project aimed at optimizing the product structure of the bar and wire rod plant. As a key part of the project, ABB will be responsible for the electrical and automation systems of the rolling line, integrating advanced electrification and automation solutions to enhance production efficiency and strengthen Shagang’s capabilities in high-end wire rod manufacturing.

Shagang Group, located in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province in the core Yangtze River Delta region, operates a fully integrated steel production chain covering sintering, ironmaking, steelmaking, and hot and cold rolling processes. It is one of China’s major steel production bases. Its product portfolio includes heavy plate, hot-rolled coil, cold-rolled sheet, ultra-thin strip, and high-speed wire rod, widely used in infrastructure, equipment manufacturing, and emerging industries, including key national projects.

The current upgrade focuses on improving the product mix of the bar and wire rod plant. After completion, the facility will be capable of producing a broader range of high-value steel products, including medium carbon steel, high carbon steel, tire cord steel, alloy welding wire steel, and spring steel, better meeting the demands of high-end manufacturing and specialized markets.

ABB will deliver a complete electrical and automation solution for the project, including transformers, medium-voltage and low-voltage drives, synchronous and asynchronous motors, Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems, as well as sensing and control equipment. The system integrates advanced technologies such as PTC timing control, Direct Torque Control (DTC), high-precision flying shear control, and spinner head positioning. Combined with ABB’s smart manufacturing solutions for the metals industry, the system will ensure stable high-speed rolling performance and consistent product quality. The production line is designed to reach speeds of up to 120 meters per second.

The project design also takes into account compatibility with Shagang’s existing production lines, using standardized automation and drive spare parts to reduce maintenance complexity and operating costs. The use of high-efficiency motors and drive systems will further improve energy efficiency while increasing production capacity.

ABB and Shagang’s partnership dates back to 1999. Over the past two decades, ABB has supported the construction of more than ten high-speed wire rod projects with Shagang, all operating with stable performance and supported by a mature technical service framework. The current project is scheduled for commissioning in January 2027. ABB will deploy experienced engineering and project management teams throughout design optimization, installation, commissioning, and startup phases to ensure high-quality delivery.

This collaboration is expected to further strengthen Shagang’s competitiveness in high-end wire rod manufacturing and support its advancement toward global industry leadership, while also reinforcing ABB’s position in advanced automation solutions for the steel industry.