AM/NS India Launches India’s First CGL Capable of Producing 1180 MPa High-Strength Steel for Automobiles

manufacturing-news

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has commissioned a cutting-edge Continuous Galvanising Line (CGL) at its Hazira plant in Gujarat, becoming the first steelmaker in India capable of producing Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) up to 1180 megapascals (MPa). This new facility is designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive sector for enhanced safety, durability, and lightweight components, reducing the industry’s dependence on high-grade steel imports.

Part of AM/NS India’s ambitious ₹60,000-crore capacity expansion, this new CGL is a major milestone in the company’s plan to increase its production footprint. The expansion project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 and includes the development of upstream and downstream steelmaking infrastructure. The new line will support the production of Galvanised (GI) and Galvannealed (GA) coated steel sheets, incorporating technologies and licensed products from both ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.

With this launch, AM/NS India aims to provide high-formability, lightweight, and recyclable steel to meet upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Phase III norms, effective from April 2027. The AHSS produced at the Hazira plant will help the automotive sector reduce vehicle weight and emissions while enhancing safety standards.

Commenting on the development, Dilip Oommen, CEO of AM/NS India, said, “The commissioning of this advanced galvanising line marks a pivotal point in our growth journey. It reflects our commitment to manufacturing high-end steel domestically and supporting India’s self-reliance goals. This new line represents our ability to match international standards and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s industrial ambitions.”

The facility is equipped with next-generation environmental controls and sustainable technologies such as waste heat recovery, advanced energy control systems, and regenerative electric drives. These innovations will lower CO₂ emissions compared to conventional galvanising units and support AM/NS India’s alignment with the Green Steel Taxonomy and broader climate targets.

With its expansion plan progressing steadily, AM/NS India aims to raise its steelmaking capacity from 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 15 MTPA, with a long-term goal of reaching 24 MTPA at the Hazira site. The company is also pursuing integrated steel projects in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where land acquisition and groundwork are underway. In parallel, AM/NS India is ramping up its decarbonisation efforts by integrating renewable energy, deploying efficient technologies, and exploring low-emission steelmaking processes, in sync with India’s climate objectives.

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India is a joint venture between global steel leaders ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel. The company is a leading flat carbon steel producer in India with a crude steel capacity of 9 MTPA and a pellet production capacity of 20 MTPA. It offers a diverse portfolio of value-added flat steel products and continues to expand its footprint across the Indian steel landscape.