NE BUSINESS BUREAU
HAZIRA/NEW DELHI, APR 30
In a powerful boost to India’s manufacturing ambitions, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has inaugurated a state-of-the-art automotive steel production line at its flagship Hazira plant in Gujarat, marking a decisive leap in the country’s journey towards high-end steel self-reliance.
The advanced Pickling Line and Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM) was formally inaugurated by Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan to India, underscoring deepening Indo-Japanese industrial collaboration.
Mega Manufacturing Breakthrough
- Global-Grade Facility: 2 MTPA PLTCM unit boosts India’s automotive steel capabilities to world-class levels
- Atmanirbhar Push: Major step towards self-reliance in Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) production
- Tech Powerhouse: Backed by Japanese and global expertise with advanced automation and precision systems
- Auto Industry Catalyst: Supports safer, lighter, and sustainable next-gen vehicles aligned with global standards
With a capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum, the cutting-edge facility is set to manufacture high-quality cold-rolled base steel that will power a new generation of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and other specialised automotive products, including first-of-its-kind patented solutions.
Among the most sophisticated lines in India, the PLTCM integrates advanced process technologies, superior automation, and globally benchmarked quality systems, drawing on the technological prowess of global steel giants ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel. The unit will cater to a wide spectrum of automotive applications including Galvannealed (GA), Galvanised (GI), and Press Hardened Steel (PHS), offering end-to-end solutions to automakers.
Designed to deliver high-strength steel up to 1180 MPa, the facility will enable vehicle lightweighting, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety aligned with evolving norms such as Bharat NCAP.
The inauguration is part of the company’s ambitious ₹60,000-crore expansion programme at Hazira, aimed at strengthening upstream and downstream capabilities and building a future-ready steel ecosystem in India.
During his visit, Keiichi Ono toured the facility and said:
“I congratulate AM/NS India on the commencement of production at its state-of-the-art automotive steel sheet production line at the Hazira plant. Japanese advanced technology has contributed significantly to the launch of high-end steel product manufacturing in India. This signifies that Japan’s contribution to the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative has entered a new phase. Japan and India share a mutually complementary relationship, where Japan’s technology and capital are complemented by India’s manufacturing capacity and growing demand. Having witnessed the vitality of the Hazira Steel Plant firsthand, I am confident that industrial cooperation between Japan and India, and the future of Viksit Bharat, will be a bright one.”
Echoing the strategic significance, Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer of AM/NS India, said:
“ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India is firmly committed to the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. In line with the commitment and guided by our brand promise – ‘Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures’, we are building state-of-the-art steelmaking assets by leveraging the unparalleled technology and expertise of our parent companies, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel – both globally recognised leaders for offering the best automotive steel solutions. The inauguration of the Pickling Line and Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM) marks an important milestone in this journey, creating the foundation for manufacturing high-quality, high-grade automotive steels domestically. This will support import substitution, enhance supply chain resilience, and enable the automotive industry’s transition towards safer, lighter, and more sustainable mobility solutions. It reinforces India’s position as a competitive manufacturing hub aligned with the requirements of next-generation vehicles and global automotive standards.”
With India’s demand for value-added automotive steel currently at 7.8 MTPA and growing at 6–7% annually, the new facility arrives at a critical juncture. As the country cements its position as the world’s third-largest automobile producer, this high-tech steel line is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility and manufacturing.
