India: AM/NS commissions state-of-the-art auto steel facility in Gujarat

• AM/NS to commence AHSS production 
• Galvanising line has a capacity of 2 mnt/year

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has commissioned a state-of-the-art continuous galvanising line (CGL) at its flagship Hazira plant in Gujarat. The installed capacity of this facility is around 2 million tonnes per year (mnt/year). This major technological leap positions AM/NS India as a major producer of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) with strengths up to 1180 megapascals (MPa), a benchmark crucial for modern automotive manufacturing.

The facility’s cutting-edge technology is sourced from the global expertise of parent firms ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel. It shall enable Indian automakers to source world-class steel locally. This is especially impactful as the sector readies itself for more stringent fuel efficiency and safety standards.

These new steel grades, which include proprietary products from both ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, deliver enhanced recyclability, high formability, and unparalleled strength, all while supporting India’s transition to lightweight vehicles and adherence to Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Phase III norms starting April 2027.

Key benefits:

• Advanced safety and durability: AHSS up to 1180 MPa ensures improved crashworthiness and enhanced occupant protection.
• Light-weighting for fuel efficiency: The high-strength-to-weight ratio facilitates production of lighter vehicles, aligning with global emission norms.
• Import substitution: Indian manufacturers gain access to globally benchmarked steel grades without the supply chain complexities of international sourcing.

This technical achievement is part of AM/NS India’s ambitious ₹60,000-crore expansion plan, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022.

Commitment to ‘Make in India’, sustainability

AM/NS India’s expansion is closely aligned with national priorities, notably the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ missions. By providing high-grade, value-added steel locally, the company is helping to bridge the gap between evolving domestic demand and limited domestic supply, supporting India’s competitiveness on the global stage.

The Hazira CGL incorporates modern environmental technology, including waste heat recovery, advanced thermal management, regenerative electrical drives, and electrolytic hydrogen usage. Lower CO₂ emission intensity compared to conventional galvanising facilities is in sync with India’s Green Steel Taxonomy and sustainability objectives.

Strategic expansion

AM/NS India is also mulling establishing an integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh, where land acquisition has commenced. Parallel initiatives are also underway in Odisha, further underscoring the company’s commitment to nationwide growth and the development of world-class steel infrastructure.

The plan is driving the development of a fully integrated steel ecosystem, advancing both upstream and downstream capabilities. The strategic goal: expand crude steel capacity at the Hazira facility from its current 9 mnt to 15 mnt, with a projected target of 24 mnt/year in the coming years. This capacity increase is expected to significantly boost India’s domestic steel supply and reduce reliance on imports.

In tandem with capacity expansion, AM/NS India is intensifying its decarbonisation journey. This includes integrating renewable energy sources, deploying next-generation energy-efficient technologies, and exploring a suite of low-carbon steelmaking pathways. Such moves are critical for aligning with India’s broader climate action commitments.