AM/NS Calvert has commissioned SMS group to upgrade the automation system at its high-capacity hot strip mill in Calvert, Alabama, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and bring the facility up to the latest technological standards.
The phased project will run from 2025 to 2027 and features SMS group’s advanced automation solution, including X-Pact Embedded controllers and the X-Pact ProBAS software platform. These technologies will deliver high-speed, reliable control, while ensuring the plant is digitally ready for future upgrades.
Key to the upgrade is the integration of an EtherCAT real-time Ethernet network for high-speed sensors and a Profibus system for standard sensor connections, ensuring robust data communication. Benefits include faster control, enhanced diagnostics, and a modern graphical programming environment for seamless operations.
AM/NS Calvert’s seven-stand hot strip mill, with a 5.3 mln ton annual capacity, supplies high-quality flat carbon steel to industries such as automotive, construction, energy, and appliances, making the automation upgrade critical for maintaining its market leadership.