Novelis Aluminum Zhenjiang grants FAC to Primetals for its Phase 2 hot rolling-mill automation upgrade

Chinese aluminium producer Novelis Aluminum Zhenjiang has granted Primetals Technologies the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) for Phase 2 of an automation upgrade at its hot-rolling mill in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province. This phase involved comprehensive hardware and software enhancements aimed at boosting production stability and ensuring long-term operational resilience.

In a parallel development, Primetals Technologies also received the FAC for a full-scale modernisation of the mill’s Level 1 automation system, which included updated operating systems and the implementation of a new human-machine interface (HMI).

Phase 1 of the project was executed under a tight timeline, with only eight months between contract signing and final acceptance. Despite facing procurement delays and visa-related challenges that required remote system testing, Primetals Technologies successfully secured the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) four days ahead of schedule. By that time, the mill had resumed full operations, with all products consistently meeting the required quality standards.

Phase 2 marked a significant milestone as the first software migration of its kind in China. The project involved transitioning to the advanced Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) platform, known for its greater capacity and lower operational costs. With improved computing power, the upgraded automation system now runs on a more stable and efficient platform. Mirroring the success of Phase 1, the system was fully operational four days ahead of schedule. The upgrades also featured server virtualisation, leading to a significant reduction in IT response times.

In 2014, Primetals Technologies supplied and commissioned the aluminium hot-rolling mill for Novelis in Zhenjiang. The facility produces high-quality aluminium products, with a particular focus on the aviation industry. Novelis is the world’s leading producer of flat-rolled aluminium and the largest recycler of aluminium globally. It operates as a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, a leading player in aluminium and copper, and the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, a global conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai, India.