Conros Group to Add Two ERW Pipe Mills in 2009
12/11/2008 - The Conros Group is adding two new ERW pipe mills for the manufacture of larger diameter pipe and API Line Pipe as well as square and rectangular hollow structural sections.
Conros Group of India has announced plans to triple its pipe-making capacity with the installation of new equipment with a combined capacity 200,000 tonnes/year in the third quarter of 2009.
The project includes the installation of a new ERW (electric resistance weld) pipe mill with an annual capacity of 60,000 tonnes. The new mill— No. 3 for the facility—will produce pipes with diameters from 21.3 to 114.3 mm. Slated for startup in August 2009, the new mill’s equipment will be supplied by SMS Meer of Germany.
In mid-September, Conros plans to launch an additional new mill, Mill No. 4, which will have an annual ERW capacity of 140,000 tonnes of API pipes. This mill will produce pipe with diameters up to 219.1 mm in up to X52 strength class steel. This mill was ordered from Abbey Etna (USA).
Feedstock for the Conros pipe-making operations is currently being supplied by Arcelor Mittal Europe, by CIS and Middle Eastern steelmakers, as well as local Ispat Industries and Essar Steel. Feedstock purchases are expected to increase following start-up of the two new mills.
In addition to its two existing ERW pipe mills (which have a combined annual capacity 100,000 tonnes), Conros Group also operates a 120,000 tonnes/year steelmaking shop and a 120,000 tonnes/year bar-rolling mill. The company’s product range comprises 21.3 to 168.3 mm ERW pipes with wall thickness of 2.03 to 10.31 mm, including galvanized, as well as angles, flat bars and channels. According to the company representative, due to the low demand on domestic and export markets, the Conros Group is cutting the products output in the current quarter by 50%.
The company exports some 80% of its pipes. The main export destinations are EU, Middle Eastern countries and Australia.
Conros Group is a diversified Business House, currently into the steel manufacturing & trading segment. The Group has manufacturing plants at Khopoli, Maharashtra for the manufacture of black and galvanized ERW steel pipes and tubes and hollow sections from ½ up to 4 inches.
