The JSC Vyksa Steel Works, Russia, has placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany, for the supply of a finishing line for longitudinally welded pipe.

SMS Meer’s scope of supply includes a pipe chamfering machine, hydrostatic pipe tester and ultrasonic testing facilities for testing the weld seam, pipe body and pipe ends. The scope of supply also includes an automatic measuring system, interconnecting transport facilities and the electrical control system for the whole plant.

The finishing line will be used to process welded pipes ranging in diameter from 219.1 to 530.0 mm at a maximum throughput of 93 pipes per hour. The line features high plant throughput, short size and tool changing times, fully automated operation and low noise development.

Erection and commissioning of the new installation is scheduled for 2005.

SMS Meer GmbH forms part of the Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology Business Area of the SMS group. The SMS group is internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas of Metallurgical Plant and Rolling Mill Technology, Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology and Plastics Technology. In the year 2003 around 9500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of around EUR 2.20 billion.