SMS group has secured a contract for an SMS Jingye wire rod upgrade, modernizing a high-speed wire rod line at Jingye (Yingkou) Medium Plate Co. Ltd. in Liaoning Province, China. This project will expand production capabilities, improve product quality, and increase manufacturing speed to meet rising demand.
Expanding Capabilities and Increasing Speed
The upgrade targets the No. 1 wire rod line, which SMS originally supplied in 2012. After modernization, the mill will produce smooth wire rod from 5 mm to 25 mm and coiled rebar from 6 mm to 16 mm.
In addition, the upgraded line will support high-value applications such as tire cord, welding wire, cold-heading, spring steel, tool steel, bearing steel, and free-cutting steel.
The SMS Jingye wire rod upgrade will also increase finishing speeds to up to 115 m/s. As a result, the line will set a new performance benchmark for similar facilities in China. These improvements will help meet demand from automotive and industrial sectors that require consistent, high-performance materials.
Advanced Equipment and Local Support
SMS will install an eight-stand finishing block and a four-stand MEERdrive®PLUS sizing block, integrating both into the existing production setup. Along with the equipment, SMS will deliver process optimization, operator training, and lifecycle services to ensure long-term efficiency.
To support ongoing operations, SMS will provide localized service through its Shanghai-based organization and spare parts hub. Commissioning is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, allowing Jingye to quickly benefit from the upgraded capabilities.
Overall, the SMS Jingye wire rod upgrade reflects continued investment in advanced steel production. As demand grows for specialized wire products, manufacturers are upgrading facilities to stay competitive and meet strict quality standards.
