John Cockerill has secured a major contract from JSW Vijayanagar Metallics Limited (JVML) to supply advanced process lines for the company’s Cold Rolled Non-Oriented (CRNO) electrical steel project at Vijayanagar in Karnataka, marking the engineering group’s entry into India’s electrical steel processing market. The contract covers the design, engineering, equipment supply, erection supervision and commissioning of two Annealing and Coating Lines (ACL 2 and ACL 3) and one Annealing and Pickling Line (APL). The project, which has an annual production capacity of around 600,000 tonnes, is scheduled for completion in 2028.
John Cockerill will execute the project in collaboration with Fives Stein, combining the companies’ expertise in electrical steel processing technologies to support the production of high-performance steel used in electric motors, transformers and other energy-efficient applications.In addition to supplying equipment, the scope of work includes operator training and technical support to ensure efficient commissioning and long-term plant performance.
Frédéric Martin, Managing Director of John Cockerill India Limited, said the order represents an important milestone for the company’s operations in the country. “This is our first electrical steel processing project in India and reflects the confidence placed in our engineering capabilities and technology. Demand for electrical steel is rising rapidly with the expansion of electric mobility, renewable energy and industrial electrification. We are pleased to support JSW Vijayanagar Metallics in developing world-class manufacturing capabilities that will strengthen India’s industrial base and energy transition,” he said.
The Annealing and Pickling Line has been designed to restore the ductility of hot-rolled non-oriented electrical steel and prepare the material for downstream processing. Operating at speeds of up to 80 metres per minute, the line will incorporate advanced technologies including horizontal annealing furnaces, turbulence pickling tanks, edge trimming systems, hydrochloric acid regeneration and silicon sludge removal systems to improve product quality while reducing acid consumption and environmental impact.
The two Annealing and Coating Lines will carry out the final processing stage, enhancing magnetic performance and insulation coating quality. Designed to process cold-rolled electrical steel at speeds of up to 180 metres per minute, the lines will feature cleaning systems, horizontal annealing furnaces, organic coating technology, curing ovens and precision trimming equipment.
The project comes as demand for electrical steel continues to grow across electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, industrial motors, automation equipment and power transmission infrastructure. By bringing advanced electrical steel processing technology to India, John Cockerill aims to support the development of a stronger domestic manufacturing ecosystem for next-generation electrification and energy infrastructure.
