In a statement, SMS said the contract with the Iranian large-diameter mill includes an order for new equipment and the setup of a maintenance program. 

SMS said the new equipment includes welders, x-ray testing units, hydraulic controls and a new automation system governing the pipe forming process. In addition, SMS group’s technical service team has been called to assist the mill in setting up a preventive maintenance program. As part of that effort, SMS will equip the mill with its IMMS integrated maintenance management system. 

"The modernization and maintenance concept devised by SMS group will not only provide us with premium technology, but also with sustainable growth. This is a significant future-oriented step that will enable us to safeguard our competitiveness and increase our production performance," said Ehsan Shahrokhi, the mill’s purchasing and procurement manager.