Primetals Technologies and Wuhan Iron and Steel Co Ltd (WISCO) have signed an agreement for the construction of a new six-strand bloom caster at WISCO’s production facility in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The project forms a key component of WISCO’s ongoing modernization strategy and is expected to strengthen its position in high-value steel segments, including rail steel, automotive materials and products for the photovoltaic industry.
The new casting facility will play a central role in optimizing WISCO’s production layout while enhancing manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Primetals Technologies will be responsible for the overall engineering design, supply of core equipment, automation systems and technical support for installation and commissioning, providing end-to-end project execution from concept through startup.
A primary objective of the investment is to further improve the quality and consistency of rail steel production. Rail applications demand exceptionally high standards for surface quality, internal integrity and mechanical performance. The new bloom caster has been designed to meet these requirements through advanced casting technologies that ensure precise process control and superior product consistency from the earliest stages of production.
The facility will incorporate a range of advanced metallurgical and automation solutions aimed at improving molten steel cleanliness, bloom density and overall product reliability. These technologies are expected to significantly reduce the occurrence of surface defects and internal cracks while enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
Among the innovations included in the project are advanced mold technologies, dual-arm oscillation systems, electromagnetic stirring equipment, dynamic secondary cooling controls and automated quality management systems. Together, these technologies will create a highly stable and efficient continuous casting process capable of delivering premium-quality blooms for downstream manufacturing operations.
The project reflects WISCO’s long-term commitment to building a world-class portfolio of steel products that serve critical industries and infrastructure sectors. The company’s products are widely used in applications ranging from power transmission systems and automotive manufacturing to bridge construction, engineering machinery and high-speed rail networks.
As one of China’s leading steel producers and a subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group, WISCO has continuously invested in advanced production technologies to improve quality, sustainability and competitiveness. The company’s strategic focus on premium steel grades aligns with growing demand for high-performance materials across domestic and international markets.
The agreement also marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between Primetals Technologies and WISCO. Their collaboration began in the 1990s and has expanded across multiple production areas, including continuous casting, hot rolling, cold rolling and silicon steel manufacturing.
