John Cockerill India Ltd Wins ₹80 Crore Contract from Tata Steel for 350,000 TPA Push-Pull Pickling Line and Acid Regeneration Plant

John Cockerill India Limited has secured a prestigious contract from Tata Steel Limited to design, engineer, manufacture, and supply a state-of-the-art Push-Pull Pickling Line (PPPL) with an annual capacity of 350,000 tonnes per annum (TPA), along with a Spray Roaster-Acid Regeneration Plant (ARP) at Tata Steel’s Tinplate Division in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. This project underscores a significant advancement in sustainable steel production enabled by cutting-edge closed-loop technology.

Key Project Highlights

The PPPL is engineered to handle strip widths up to 1350 mm and thicknesses up to 3.8 mm at a maximum speed of 120 meters per minute, offering exceptional operational flexibility.

The advanced pickling line features innovative V-shaped granite blocks for smooth strip uncoiling, efficient rinsing systems, and a two-step acid scrubbing process to minimize acid fumes, thereby ensuring a cleaner and safer work environment.

Equipped with double uncoiler, stitcher, three custom-designed pickling tanks, in-line side trimmer, and delivery equipment aimed at producing scale-free, immaculate strips essential for downstream cold rolling and tinplating.

The Spray Roaster ARP operates as a closed-loop system achieving over 99.5% acid regeneration efficiency, significantly reducing fresh acid consumption and operational expenses.

The ARP produces high-purity iron oxide as a by-product, which opens ancillary revenue opportunities in paint and allied industries, alongside meeting stringent environmental emission standards.

Technological Excellence And Manufacturing Synergies

John Cockerill India leverages its extensive global experience with over 150 reference pickling lines, deploying world-class automation and manufacturing expertise from its Taloja facility near Mumbai. The integration of proven acid regeneration technology enhances sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Strategic Importance For Tata Steel

This contract reflects Tata Steel’s commitment to advancing sustainable steelmaking and process modernization at its Jamshedpur division, reinforcing its leadership in responsible and efficient steel production.

The project is slated for completion by mid-2027, with John Cockerill India overseeing erection, commissioning, and performance guarantees to ensure operational excellence.

Industry Impact And Future Growth

The infrastructure upgrade elevates Tata Steel’s production capabilities, enabling better quality control, reduced environmental impact, and increased throughput, setting a benchmark for steel processing plants in India.

John Cockerill India’s delivery of this technologically advanced project strengthens its position as a trusted partner in the Indian industrial equipment sector, while showcasing capabilities that could fuel expansion across similar infrastructure projects.

Leadership Perspectives

Frédéric Martin, Managing Director at John Cockerill India, emphasized the company’s role in delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions that align with Tata Steel’s vision. The collaboration is set to bolster efficiency and innovation in the steel value chain.

Kishore Tar, Chief Projects & Construction at Tata Steel, highlighted the importance of technology-driven upgrades and their contribution to operational reliability and capacity growth.

In conclusion, the John Cockerill India and Tata Steel partnership on the PPPL and ARP installation exemplifies the blend of technological innovation and strategic industrial development poised to transform steel production efficiency and sustainability in India.

Sources: John Cockerill official press release, Tata Steel Limited disclosures, Economic Times