Primetals enters service JV with HBIS Tangshan Iron and Steel Group

Primetals Tangshan Technology Services is the name of a new joint venture, formed on 1 September, between Primetals Technologies and HBIS Tangshan Iron and Steel Group (Tangsteel).

Headquartered in Tangshan, the JV will operate in several locations within Hebei province in China. It will provide ‘comprehensive technology-based services’ in off-line maintenance, equipment refurbishment, condition monitoring and operational support for Tangsteel slab casters, as well as other customers.

The chief objective of the new company is to improve operational efficiency and product quality. Karl Purkarthofer, senior vice president and global head of metallurgical services at Primetals Technologies described the new JV as a major milestone for technology-based services in China, adding that it will elevate the successful partnership between Tangsteel and Primetals Technologies to a new level.

Wang Lanyu, chairman of HBIS Tangsteel said it was a ‘key element for Tangsteel to implement life cycle management’ and improve equipment reliability.

“With the extensive co-operation between Tangsteel and Primetals Technologies, the quality of the products produced by Tangsteel will set a new benchmark in the steel industry,” Lanyu added.

The foundation of the new JV ‘represents the successful implementation of an innovative new concept in the People’s Republic of China – that of improving the competitiveness in the steel industry’, according to Primetals.