Jingye (Yingkou) Medium Plate Co. Ltd. has signed a contract with SMS group to modernize the No.1 high-speed wire rod line at its Yingkou plant in China, aiming to expand the line’s product diameter range and improve production capability for high-grade specialty steels. Commissioning is scheduled for Q4 2026.
Following the upgrade, the line will produce smooth rounds of 5-25 mm and rebars of 6-16 mm, while expanding output of high-value steel grades such as high-carbon, tire cord, welding wire, cold heading, spring, tool, bearing and free-cutting steels. The modernization is designed for a maximum rolling speed of 115 meters per second, improving efficiency, product quality and production flexibility.
The project includes the installation of an eight-stand finishing block and a four-stand MEERdrive PLUS sizing block. The finishing block features a V-type 45-degree arrangement for twist-free rolling and improved surface quality, while tungsten carbide rings extend roll life and allow quick changes.
The MEERdrive PLUS system, equipped with independent motors and adjustable gear ratios for each stand, enables flexible rolling programs and ensures tight tolerances across various steel grades and sizes.
Beyond equipment supply, SMS group will also provide process optimization support and operational training. The company will back the project with technical services and spare parts support from its Shanghai warehouse.
The upgrade continues the long-standing cooperation between Jingye and SMS, which began in 2012 with the installation of four parallel wire rod lines.
Jingye (Yingkou) Medium Plate, a subsidiary of Jingye Group, was fully acquired from Rizhao Steel Holding Group in late 2024. The company has an annual capacity of around 6 mln tons of medium and thick plates and 2 mln tons of wire rod.
