According to SMS group, the project began as a simple recovery plan for the drive and automation cabinets in the finishing mill, which were heavily damaged in a May 2023 fire. 

Rather than replacing the damaged automation components in the finishing mill, Krakatau Steel (PTKS) opted for a comprehensive upgrade to next-generation automation technology throughout the entire hot strip mill.

“We avoided the temptation to only do the bare necessities and get the mill up and running again. We decided to go the extra mile and give the customer a future-ready system. The cooperation between SMS and PTKS and the never-say-die attitude of the joint team was the secret recipe for success,” said Atanu Dey, SMS group senior vice president.

Central to the upgrade was the installation of SMS Group’s X-Pact process automation control technology, which comprises a range of solutions providing enhanced control, improved diagnostic capabilities, and consistent performance.

“SMS group acted like a partner in every sense, and we worked as a team. We are delighted that SMS could achieve our milestone of starting up the plant within 2024. It was a huge challenge to put a new automation system on the existing machinery,” said Utomo Nugroho, PTKS director of infrastructure and operations.