TMW and Zhejiang Jingu Form EPS Technology Joint Venture in Asia
04/16/2014 - The Material Works Ltd. (TMW) and Zhejiang Jingu Co. Ltd. have formed a joint venture company, TMW Jingu Environmental Protection Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., to supply EPS cells exclusively to the Chinese and Korean markets.
Zhejiang Jingu is China's largest manufacturer of steel wheels, operating seven production facilities that supply many of the world's leading automotive and truck trailer OEMs. Its advanced manufacturing capability and world class quality control are seen as key ingredients for the manufacture of EPS Cells. A new 25,000-square-meter (270,000-square-foot) facility will be built in Fuyang, China, near Zhejiang Jingu's headquarters, to host the EPS cell manufacturing.
Adjacent to that facility, Zhejiang Jingu will also build an advanced steel service center, in partnership with Anshan Iron and Steel Group (Ansteel), the fourth largest steel producer in China. Included in that facility will be a two-cell EPS coil line to produce EPS-processed steel for Zhejiang Jingu's wheel production and for other manufacturers. Both facilities are expected to be operational in the first half of 2015.
TMW President Kevin Voges remarked, "The efficient, environmentally favorable EPS process has been well received in China as an alternative to acid pickling of steel, and in Zhejiang Jingu we have found an ideal partner to support its continued growth. Not only are they a world class manufacturer, but by being an EPS user and producer, they will be uniquely qualified to work with us in demonstrating the value of EPS technology to other manufacturers, mills and steel processors in China and Korea."
The EPS process is an environmentally friendly replacement for acid pickling of hot rolled steel strip developed by The Material Works Ltd. (TMW) of Red Bud, Ill., USA. This patented process removes the layer of oxide (mill scale) from the surface of hot rolled steel, imparting a very clean, uniform surface. Unlike acid pickling, the EPS process uses no hazardous substances to accomplish its 'pickling' — just ordinary water and fine steel grit — which are recirculated for continuous use. The process also leaves the steel inherently rust resistant, so it does not require the oil film that is applied to acid pickled steel to prevent rusting.
Adjacent to that facility, Zhejiang Jingu will also build an advanced steel service center, in partnership with Anshan Iron and Steel Group (Ansteel), the fourth largest steel producer in China. Included in that facility will be a two-cell EPS coil line to produce EPS-processed steel for Zhejiang Jingu's wheel production and for other manufacturers. Both facilities are expected to be operational in the first half of 2015.
TMW President Kevin Voges remarked, "The efficient, environmentally favorable EPS process has been well received in China as an alternative to acid pickling of steel, and in Zhejiang Jingu we have found an ideal partner to support its continued growth. Not only are they a world class manufacturer, but by being an EPS user and producer, they will be uniquely qualified to work with us in demonstrating the value of EPS technology to other manufacturers, mills and steel processors in China and Korea."
The EPS process is an environmentally friendly replacement for acid pickling of hot rolled steel strip developed by The Material Works Ltd. (TMW) of Red Bud, Ill., USA. This patented process removes the layer of oxide (mill scale) from the surface of hot rolled steel, imparting a very clean, uniform surface. Unlike acid pickling, the EPS process uses no hazardous substances to accomplish its 'pickling' — just ordinary water and fine steel grit — which are recirculated for continuous use. The process also leaves the steel inherently rust resistant, so it does not require the oil film that is applied to acid pickled steel to prevent rusting.
