Two Chinese producers have each placed an order with SMS Meer, Germany, for the supply of a new Contirodcasting and rolling line.

Jiangxi Copper Co Ltd and Shandong Xiangrui Copper Co Ltd are thus strengthening their positions as producers of high quality copper wire rod. The Contirod lines will enable them to produce at competitive prices.

With the new wire rod mill, Jiangxi Copper from the Jiangxi Province will be able to double its annual capacity from 400,000 tonnes to 800,000 tonnes.

The Contirod line is designed for an output of 60 tonnes per hour. It comprises a newly designed gas control system for the SMS Meer shaft furnace for copper cathode melting and a modular Hazelett twin-belt caster for a casting cross-section of 123 mm x 70 mm. The line also includes a highly flexible 14-stand rolling mill with variable frequency AC drives and integrated coil compacting and foil packing equipment.

Shandong Xiangrui Copper from Jinan aims to produce annually 320,000 tonnes of quality copper wire rod from copper cathodes on the new line. This Contirod line is designed for a production rate of 48 t per hour.

Commissioning of both plants is scheduled for May 2012.